Albania’s General Election: Edi Rama Seeks Fourth Term Amid EU Ambitions
Tirana, Albania — Prime Minister Edi Rama is vying for a fourth term in office during a general election held on Sunday. His Socialist Party is focused on Albania’s ongoing quest for European Union membership, a central theme in a campaign characterized by vigorous debates and promises.
Commitment to EU Membership
The Socialists have committed to achieving EU membership within five years, making bold pledges as they engage with conservative opponents. The campaign has seen Rama and his party confront their rivals through public debate, promising wage increases and addressing pressing economic issues.
Voter Participation and New Dynamics
This election marks a significant moment for the country of 2.8 million residents, with 3.7 million eligible voters, including those living abroad who are voting by mail for the first time. A total of 140 lawmakers will be elected for four-year terms from a pool of 2,046 candidates across various political groupings.
Polling Insights
As of 10 a.m. (0800 GMT), voter turnout was reported at 13.15%, slightly lower than during the previous elections. Polling stations will close at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with results expected within 48 hours.
Rama’s Campaign and Opposition
Rama, 60, is capitalizing on the momentum from the start of EU membership negotiations last October. His platform not only emphasizes EU accession by 2030 but also highlights achievements in infrastructure and legal reforms. His slogan, “Albania 2030 in EU, Only with Edi and SP,” conveys this vision.
In opposition, Sali Berisha, an influential figure in Albanian politics and head of the Democratic Party, contests that the country is unprepared for EU membership. Borrowing from U.S. political rhetoric, his campaign slogan has evolved from “Make Albania Great Again” to “Grandiose Albania.” Berisha’s leadership has faced challenges, including allegations of corruption.
Promises of Economic Growth
Both parties have directed their focus toward economic issues. The Socialists intend to triple the number of tourist arrivals from 10 million in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, emphasizing diverse destinations through expanded infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Democrats argue that recent economic mismanagement has prompted over 1 million Albanians to leave the nation in the past decade.
Key economic pledges from both parties include:
- A minimum pension of €200 ($225)
- An average monthly salary of €1,200 ($1,365)
- A minimum wage of €500 ($570), representing a substantial increase from current levels
Corruption and Judicial Reforms
Despite improvements in Albania’s Transparency International corruption index, which rose from 116th in 2013 to 80th in 2024, corruption continues to impede the country’s EU aspirations. Ongoing judicial reforms supported by the EU and U.S. have led to the prosecution of numerous high-ranking officials.
In this context, both parties field candidates with corruption allegations. Berisha himself faces legal challenges and scrutiny, while former President Ilir Meta, allied with Berisha, has recently been arrested on similar charges.
Social Media and Political Rhetoric
Social media plays a pivotal role in this election, serving as a primary platform for candidates to connect with voters. Rama utilizes daily Facebook livestreams, while Berisha also engages with audiences, albeit less frequently. However, a controversial 12-month ban on TikTok has sparked accusations of censorship from opposition parties.
Debates have turned increasingly hostile, with Rama labeling Berisha a “swamp owl” while Berisha refers to him as a “chief gangster.” More than 570 international observers are monitoring the election, emphasizing the importance of a transparent electoral process.
Conclusion
The stakes are high in this election, as the future trajectory of Albania’s EU aspirations and domestic economic policies hangs in the balance. With both parties promising transformative economic changes, voters face a pivotal decision.