A new poll from Report TV has revealed early voter sentiment as Albania approaches the 2025 elections. The survey, with 1,854 likely voters from both Albania and abroad and a margin of error of ±3.1%., highlights party support and key political issues.

Why is this important:  If past years are any indication, as elections approach, there will be a proliferation of opinion polls across major television networks and media outlets. However, at this early stage, the Report TV poll conducted by a respected pollster offers a valuable glimpse into the current levels of support for political parties and the impact of their recent actions.

Top takeaways: 

• Socialist support: The Socialist Party (PS) leads with 49.5%, a slight 0.8% drop from October, but enough for a fourth term. Prime Minister Edi Rama remains strong.
• Democratic Party: Under Sali Berisha, the PD is at 32.4%, up 2.2%. Berisha’s house arrest hasn’t halted his momentum.
• Emerging parties: New political movements claim 14% support, while older minor parties have 4.1%.

Berisha’s ‘non grata’ status: 65.4% of respondents doubt that Berisha’s U.S. ‘non grata’ status will be lifted even if Donald Trump wins in 2024 (poll was carried out before November 5). Only 33.2% are hopeful. Skepticism is higher among the diaspora (68.9%) than within Albania (63.9%).

‘Civil disobedience’ discontent: The Democratic Party’s civil disobedience campaign is largely unpopular with 73.5% saying it has been a failure. Only a meagre 17.2% disagree and call it a success while a further 9.3% are undecided. Dissatisfaction is more pronounced in Albania (74.7%) than among the diaspora (70.7%).

Favorability ratings: 

• Edi Rama: Still the most liked at 50.1%, despite a 1.0% dip.
• Sali Berisha: Up 2.9% to 30.1%.
• Neither: 19.3% of voters favor neither, signaling openness to alternatives.

Government approval: Approval for the Rama Government remains solid:

• Negative: 47.2%, up 2% from October.
• Positive: 40.6%, a minor 1.8% drop.
  Support is higher abroad (42.5%) than within Albania (39.8%).

SPAK’s positive reception: The Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) enjoys robust approval, with 70.2% backing its anti-corruption efforts, up 1.3%. Diaspora support is even higher at 71.1%.

Bottom Line
The Socialist Party holds a solid lead, the PD sees modest gains, and skepticism persists over Berisha’s status. Government approval remains resilient as SPAK’s anti-corruption work continues to earn public trust.