Lulzim Basha, the previous leader of the Democratic Party and current leader of the Euro-Atlantic Democrats faction, released a video outlining the key points of his faction’s new economic program. The program promises to address Albania’s economic challenges by supporting businesses, attracting foreign investment, and improving living standards for Albanian families.

Why is this significant: Basha’s new program seeks to position the Euro-Atlantic Democrats as a contender in the 2025 elections by offering practical solutions to Albania’s economic problems. His approach focuses on reducing taxes and boosting the private sector, aiming to create new jobs and raise wages, thereby increasing overall prosperity.

Context: Lulzim Basha used to be one of Sali Berisha’s closest collaborators and confidants. It was Berisha who supported Basha’s assumption of the party leadership in 2013, after the Democrats lost power to the Socialist Party. However, their friendship came to an end in 2021 after Berisha was declared persona-non-grata for his involvement in corruption by the U.S. In September 2021 Lulzim Basha finally suspended Sali Berisha from the parliamentary group until he could prove that the US accusations against him were baseless. Berisha responded by launching the “Rithemelimi” (Re-establishment) movement that ultimately split the Democrats with Berisha assuming control of the official Democrats and Basha now leading the little known Euro-Atlantic Democrats faction. When asked about the conflict with his erstwhile mentor and supporter Basha accused Berisha of being a burden on the party and of wanting to use the party to solve his personal legal issues.

Key points of the economic program: Basha’s economic plan for the Euro-Atlantic Democrats emphasizes lowering taxes and creating a more business-friendly environment to stimulate economic growth. Key features of the program include:

• Flat tax rate of 9%: A single 9% tax rate for corporate profit, dividends, and personal income.
• 0% tax for small businesses: No taxes for small businesses with annual revenues up to 14 million lekë.
• Lower local business taxes: Reducing local taxes for small businesses to a maximum of 1% of daily turnover.

Basha argues that by reducing the tax burden, businesses will have more resources to invest, leading to more jobs, higher wages, and increased consumption. He also stressed the importance of voting based on programs that reflect citizens’ real interests, rather than following political figures blindly.