Albanian political leaders intensified their campaigns this week ahead of the country’s May 11 parliamentary elections, with the ruling Socialist Party touting its record in urban renewal, and opposition leaders promising sweeping economic reforms and clean governance.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, who also leads the Socialist Party (PS), pointed to the northern city of Shkodra as an example of what he called a transformation under Socialist leadership. Addressing first-time voters in the region, Rama said the party had brought a long-neglected city back to life after winning control of its municipality two years ago.
“Shkodra shows how a vote can turn history upside down—from isolation and decay to rebirth,” Rama said. He highlighted recent economic data and tourism growth, claiming 2023 was the city’s best year in terms of small business activity and foreign visitor numbers.
“We’ve only had two years in Shkodra, but what we’ve achieved in that short time has surpassed decades of neglect,” he added. Rama said that while progress is visible, much work remains, as other cities under Socialist leadership have benefited from longer-term planning.
In a parallel campaign event in the central city of Kavaja, former Prime Minister and current Democratic Party (PD) leader Sali Berisha introduced candidates from his coalition, “PD – Alliance for a Great Albania,” and laid out an ambitious platform focused on economic relief and social support.
“Our plan isn’t for one party—it’s for every Albanian,” Berisha said, pledging to eliminate extreme poverty within 100 days of taking office. He promised a 500-euro minimum wage, no pension or student bursary below 200 euros, and significant cuts to utility prices and taxes for businesses.
“We will halve water tariffs, reduce electricity to 7 lek for citizens and 6 lek for businesses, and provide a consumer card for pensioners and workers,” Berisha added, while also invoking international support from center-right European allies.
Elsewhere, Agron Shehaj, head of the anti-establishment “Mundësia” (Opportunity) Party, campaigned in Shkodra with a direct appeal to undecided and disillusioned voters. Positioning himself as a clean break from Albania’s political establishment, Shehaj vowed to protect the integrity of the vote and called out what he described as systemic intimidation in smaller municipalities.
“Those who think they can tamper with votes are making a grave mistake,” Shehaj said, promising full transparency and vote monitoring. “We’re not in the ’90s anymore. Every polling station is filmed, and we can request a 100% recount if needed.”
Shehaj portrayed his party as a movement of citizens who believe in “honest work” and refuse political deals. “We are the only real alternative,” he said. “We’re not here to protect privileges—we’re here to end them.”
The May 11 parliamentary vote will determine the direction of Albania’s next government amid growing calls for institutional reform, economic opportunity, and stronger democratic norms in the EU candidate country.
