Latest news with #MakeAlbaniaGreatAgain
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Voting ends in Albania's election amid bid to join EU
Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial. Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial. Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial. Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial.
West Australian
11-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Voting ends in Albania's election amid bid to join EU
Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is pressing Albania to continue reforms — particularly in governance and anti-corruption efforts — to stay on track for EU membership. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial.
Perth Now
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
Voting ends in Albania's election amid bid to join EU
Voting has ended in Albania's parliamentary election after a boisterous campaign dominated by the country's uphill effort to join the European Union and Prime Minister Edi Rama's bid for a fourth term. Polls closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Because of mass emigration, the country of 2.8 million people has about 3.7 million eligible voters. For the first time, those in the diaspora — about 191,000 so far this time — could vote, casting their ballots by mail. Voters were electing 140 lawmakers to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. The preliminary turnout at 6pm local time was 41.41 per cent, four per cent lower than in 2021. Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Voting was largely peaceful, with just a few skirmishes involving candidates and some of their supporters around the country. "For the most part, excluding some sporadic cases, the process has been in line with the rules and standards," said Ilirjan Celibashi, the head of the Central Election Commission. Rama, 60, who secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October, highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform in his campaign. "Today is the people's words. Let's wait for the people to speak," said Rama after voting. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is pressing Albania to continue reforms — particularly in governance and anti-corruption efforts — to stay on track for EU membership. Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, 80, a former president and prime minister, who argues that Albania still isn't ready for EU membership. He started the campaign borrowing from US President Donald Trump's slogan, which he changed to "Make Albania Great Again," but eventually settled on "Grandiose Albania." Economic concerns have been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue that the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. After casting his ballot, Berisha called on Albanians to vote "for themselves, for their children, their pensions and salaries, employment, business, their farm". Both parties made similar promises on minimum pensions, an average monthly salary and a minimum wage – all about 20 per cent or higher than current levels. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considered that scenario unlikely. "It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises," he said. "Elections won't shake up the current scene — neither the system nor the main actors." Despite Albania's significant improvement in Transparency International's corruption index — rising from 116th in 2013 to 80th in the ranking in 2024 — corruption remains the country's Achilles' heel and a stumbling block for European integration. Sweeping judicial reforms launched in 2016 with support from the EU and US led to investigations and prosecutions of senior officials. Several former ministers, mayors and high-ranking officials have been jailed, while others face ongoing investigations. Despite promises of cleaner governance, both major parties are fielding candidates facing corruption allegations. Berisha himself has been charged with corruption and is awaiting trial.
North Wales Chronicle
11-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Albanian PM seeks fourth term with ambitious promise of EU membership
Mr Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Mr Rama's opponents have hired a heavy hitter from the United States to steer their campaign. The country of 2.8 million people, with 3.7 million eligible voters including the diaspora casting ballots for the first time ever by post, will elect 140 politicians to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. Voting opened at 7am local time and runs until 7pm. Mr Rama, 60, secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October and is relying heavily on that momentum. His campaign also highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform. Under the party slogan 'Albania 2030 in EU, Only with Edi and SP', Mr Rama insists full EU accession is possible by 2030 with annual funding of 1 billion euros ($1.13 billion) upon joining. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is pressing Albania to continue reforms – particularly in governance and anti-corruption efforts – to stay on track for EU membership. Commentators are also sceptical. 'It is an electoral pledge which is a citizens' desire,' independent analyst Aleksander Cipa says, describing Mr Rama's timeline as 'not realisable'. Mr Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, a hoarse-voiced and energetic 80-year-old survivor of Albania's tumultuous politics. Mr Berisha, a former president and prime minister, has led the conservative Democratic Party of Albania since its founding in 1990, when student protests marked the end of communist isolation. He argues Albania is not ready for EU membership. His leadership – fraught with party feuds and corruption allegations – and messaging remain contentious. He started the campaign – borrowing from US President Donald Trump – with the slogan 'Make Albania Great Again', but eventually settled on 'Grandiose Albania'. Albania's Democratic Party hired Chris LaCivita, the veteran Republican political consultant and architect of Mr Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Mr Berisha often appears at rallies wearing a blue baseball cap marked with a No 1, the party's position on the ballot. In response, Mr Rama sports a black cap emblazoned with the Socialist Party's No 5. Economic concerns have also been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. Both parties have made similar promises: a minimum pension of 200 euros ($225), an average monthly salary of 1,200 euros ($1,365), and a minimum wage of 500 euros ($570) – about 20% or higher than current levels. Mr Berisha also advocates a 10% flat tax, value-added tax refunds for basic food items, a consumer card loaded with government money for retirees to buy basic foodstuffs at discounted prices and other benefits. The pledges have blurred ideological lines and politics dominated by two parties has encouraged the creation of alternatives. Several newer parties – two from the centre-right and two left-wing – could emerge as kingmakers if no major party wins a majority. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considers that scenario unlikely. 'It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises,' he said. 'Elections won't shake up the current scene – neither the system nor the main actors.'
South Wales Argus
11-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Albanian PM seeks fourth term with ambitious promise of EU membership
Mr Rama's Socialist Party says it can deliver EU membership in five years, sticking to an ambitious pledge while battling conservative opponents with public recriminations and competing promises of pay hikes. Opening up the election to voters abroad for the first time has added to the volatility, along with the appearance of new parties, a shift in campaigning to social media and a recent TikTok ban. Mr Rama's opponents have hired a heavy hitter from the United States to steer their campaign. The country of 2.8 million people, with 3.7 million eligible voters including the diaspora casting ballots for the first time ever by post, will elect 140 politicians to four-year terms, choosing from 2,046 candidates representing 11 political groupings, including three coalitions. A woman casts her ballot in the Albanian general election at a polling station in Tirana (Vlasov Sulaj/AP) Voting opened at 7am local time and runs until 7pm. Mr Rama, 60, secured the start of EU membership negotiations last October and is relying heavily on that momentum. His campaign also highlighted achievements in infrastructure and justice reform. Under the party slogan 'Albania 2030 in EU, Only with Edi and SP', Mr Rama insists full EU accession is possible by 2030 with annual funding of 1 billion euros ($1.13 billion) upon joining. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is pressing Albania to continue reforms – particularly in governance and anti-corruption efforts – to stay on track for EU membership. Commentators are also sceptical. 'It is an electoral pledge which is a citizens' desire,' independent analyst Aleksander Cipa says, describing Mr Rama's timeline as 'not realisable'. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama speaks during an election campaign rally in Tirana on Friday (Vlasov Sulaj/AP) Mr Rama's main challenger is Sali Berisha, a hoarse-voiced and energetic 80-year-old survivor of Albania's tumultuous politics. Mr Berisha, a former president and prime minister, has led the conservative Democratic Party of Albania since its founding in 1990, when student protests marked the end of communist isolation. He argues Albania is not ready for EU membership. His leadership – fraught with party feuds and corruption allegations – and messaging remain contentious. He started the campaign – borrowing from US President Donald Trump – with the slogan 'Make Albania Great Again', but eventually settled on 'Grandiose Albania'. Albania's Democratic Party hired Chris LaCivita, the veteran Republican political consultant and architect of Mr Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Mr Berisha often appears at rallies wearing a blue baseball cap marked with a No 1, the party's position on the ballot. In response, Mr Rama sports a black cap emblazoned with the Socialist Party's No 5. Former Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita, left, shakes hands with Sali Berisha, leader of Albania's main opposition Democratic Party that he is consulting for (AP) Economic concerns have also been central to the campaign. The Socialists say they will accelerate a tourism boom, from 10 million arrivals in 2024 to 30 million by 2030, diversifying destinations by expanding infrastructure projects. The Democrats argue the government's dismal performance has driven more than one million Albanians to leave the country over the past decade. Both parties have made similar promises: a minimum pension of 200 euros ($225), an average monthly salary of 1,200 euros ($1,365), and a minimum wage of 500 euros ($570) – about 20% or higher than current levels. Mr Berisha also advocates a 10% flat tax, value-added tax refunds for basic food items, a consumer card loaded with government money for retirees to buy basic foodstuffs at discounted prices and other benefits. Sali Berisha, centre, leader of Democratic Party of Albania, makes statements outside a voting station during a general election where rival Edi Rama is seeking a fourth term (AP) The pledges have blurred ideological lines and politics dominated by two parties has encouraged the creation of alternatives. Several newer parties – two from the centre-right and two left-wing – could emerge as kingmakers if no major party wins a majority. But analyst Lutfi Dervishi considers that scenario unlikely. 'It's a campaign without debate and results without surprises,' he said. 'Elections won't shake up the current scene – neither the system nor the main actors.'
