Albania
Albania exhibits mid-range performance across all categories of democracy in the Global State of Democracy Indices (GSoDI), scoring in the top 25 per cent globally for Freedom of Religion and Access to Justice. Albania performs in the high range with regard to Freedom of Religion, Elected Government, Inclusive Suffrage, and Freedom of Movement. Between 2018 and 2023, the country experienced significant advances in Access to Justice, but saw notable declines in Economic Equality. It has started accession negotiations with the EU in July 2022 and opened its first negotiation ‘cluster’ in October 2024. The Albanian economy is weakly diversified, mainly dependent on services, agriculture, and a rapidly growing tourism sector, which made Tirana’s airport the most visited in the Western Balkans in 2024. The country has experienced a significant population decline, and combined with high emigration rates, this trend is resulting in an ageing population. Albania is heavily reliant on neighbouring countries for trade and remittances. Its transition to a market economy has been characterised by corrupt privatisation efforts and state-led pyramid schemes.
Albania declared independence in 1912 after nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. After World War II, the country experienced one of the most brutal communist regimes for forty years, becoming one of the most isolated and poorest countries in the world. Following the death of dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania transitioned to democracy after 1990. Albania is one of the most homogeneous countries in Europe and does not exhibit any major politically salient ethnic or religious cleavages, and the country is known for religious tolerance. Instead, regional divisions between North and South are the major fault lines in Albania. There is economic disparity between the more developed South and the less developed North, as well as between rural and urban areas. Despite recent changes, people from the North tend to generally vote for the Democratic Party (PD), while voters in the South often support the Socialist Party (PS) due to the origin of the parties' leaders and the resulting clientelist ties. Allegations of ties with the communist regime are part of the usual discourse to discredit political opponents.
Politics tend to be highly personalised and polarized, fuelling partisan violence in society. Democratization was overseen by elites involved in clan politics, fostering a culture of corruption that hindered strong institutions and economic growth. However, the establishment of Albania’s Special Courts against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) has recently led to investigations, arrest warrants and the questioning of high-level politicians.
In recent years, Albania has made important progress on gender equality through the development of the National Strategy for Gender Equality (2021-2030) and multiple measures. Progress is evidenced in the increased representation of women in politics, with more than half of the government ministers being women. Nevertheless, gender equality is challenged by systemic issues – gender differences in education, gender gaps in economic opportunities, and widespread gender-based violence – coupled with weaknesses in the implementation of laws. Despite ongoing discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community, Albania made progress by becoming the third European country to ban “conversion therapy” in 2020.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rule of Law, particularly Absence of Corruption, Judicial Independence and Predictable Enforcement, especially in light of the recent SPAK investigations into high-level corruption. If materialized, these structural reforms have the potential to combat entrenched corruption, paving the way for changes in other areas, such as reducing brain drain, emigration, and leading to increased trust in the government, potentially impacting Credible Elections, Civic Engagement and Electoral Participation. These reforms, along with the country’s success in tourism, could influence Basic Welfare and Economic Equality.
Last updated: November 2024
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December 2024
Constitutional Court non-compliance persists despite the Venice Commission opinion
On 9 December, the Venice Commission issued an opinion, requested by the Assembly Speaker in September, on Parliament’s compliance with Constitutional Court decisions. It emphasized that compliance with the Court is essential to the rule of law, stating its decisions are binding. The opinion makes clear that “there can be no political discretion on whether or not to abide by and implement judgements” and that “effective compliance with these decisions should not be made conditional on a vote or a parliamentary majority.” The opinion also stated that Parliament is “not obliged to vote in a particular way.” The ruling majority defended parliamentary autonomy, while the opposition called for unconditional compliance. The Assembly Speaker said the opinion clarifies the sovereignty of the Parliament, refusing compliance with the Constitutional Court.
Sources: International IDEA, Venice Commission, Euronews, Shqiptarja (1), Shqiptarja (2), Balkan Insight
Prime Minister announces one-year TikTok ban
On 21 December, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a one-year ban on TikTok, starting 1 January, following the murder of a 14-year-old boy by his peer over a TikTok argument and videos supporting the killing. Rama said the decision was also based on a survey of 65,000 parents, 90 per cent of whom requested TikTok's shutdown. The opposition accused Rama of attempting to stifle political campaigning ahead of the May elections. Critics argued that banning TikTok will not solve youth violence, and that children need education on navigating technology responsibly. Experts questioned the legal basis for the ban and warned of its implications for internet freedom, free expression, and media freedom. As of 29 January 2025, the ban had not been implemented. TikTok is one of the most popular platforms in Albania. According to ByteDance, as of early 2024, there were 1.53 million users over 18, and its reach extends to younger users despite a 13+ age requirement.
Sources: Shqiptarja, Balkan Insight, Reuters, Politico
October 2024
Former President Ilir Meta arrested on corruption charges
On 21 October, former President and current Freedom Party (FP) leader Ilir Meta (also a Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister during his 35-year political presence), was arrested on a warrant issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Corruption (SPAK) on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of wealth. Masked police forcibly removed Meta from his car in traffic, which an FP spokesperson called "criminal kidnapping." The police cited his resistance and offensive behaviour. The Ombudsperson launched an investigation into this. The arrest is one of several by SPAK, including that of ruling Socialist Party MP Jurgis Cyrbja in October. It marks a shift in political dynamics and high-level corruption, given Meta’s role as a kingmaker, leading the third most powerful party. With elections in 2025, two top opposition figures are now in custody, including Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha (under house arrest since 2023). If found guilty, Meta faces up to 12 years in prison.
Sources: RTV KLAN (You Tube), Gazeta Tema, Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Reuters, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), International IDEA (3)
September 2024
Parliament blocks Constitutional Court’s review of MP’s mandate
On 13 September, the Albanian Parliament voted for a third time against sending the mandate of the ruling Socialist Party (SP) Member of Parliament Olta Xhaçka for review in the Constitutional Court. This comes despite a ruling by the Court requiring MPs to submit Xhaçka’s mandate for review, which could lead to Xhaçka losing her seat as an MP. The case stems from a 2022 dispute in which the opposition accused then-foreign minister and current MP Olta Xhaçka of a conflict of interest, after her husband, a former SP MP, was granted "strategic investor" status to build a hotel. The Parliament's refusal to comply with the Court's ruling has drawn criticism from the opposition, analysts, and both the EU Delegation and the U.S. Embassy, as a move that undermines the separation of powers and the rule of law, whereas MPs cited their right to vote freely. As a next step, the Parliament has sought the Venice Commission's opinion on the legislature’s obligation to implement judicial decisions. The Venice Commission is set to review the issue in December.
Sources: Balkan Insight, Tirana Times, Shqiptarja, Euronews Albania
June 2024
EU suspends agricultural funds indefinitely following serious irregularities
In July, the Agriculture Ministry informed parliament that EU pre-accession agricultural support funds were suspended indefinitely. The current suspension comes after the European Union Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) revealed that EUR 33 million from Pre-Accession Assistance for Rural Development (IPARD) II had been misused. Funds had been initially suspended in 2023, when corruption was suspected. Irregularities included manipulated tenders, inflated prices, and contractual breaches. OLAF recommended that the EU blocks EUR 112 million planned for IPARD III. In response, MP Agron Shehaj summoned Agriculture Minister Anila Denaj to parliament to address these findings. Authorities in Tirana have not provided a timeline for reopening the funds, with the Minister stating that IPARD III will resume once Albania proves it can handle EU funds responsibly. This scandal sparked controversy over the misuse of EU funds for farmers, one of the labour market's most vulnerable groups, and raised concerns about future funding prospects and the country's credibility as an EU candidate.
Sources: European Union Anti-Fraud Office, Top Channel, Balkan Insight, Tirana Times, Reporter, International IDEA
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