Rama presents Tirana candidates, frames May 11 elections as defining moment for EU accession

Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced the Socialist Party (SP) candidates for the Tirana district, calling them the most representative lineup to date, including individuals from diverse age groups, genders, and professions. He framed the May 11 elections as crucial for Albania’s European future, urging voters to prioritize EU accession over party loyalties. Rama also warned that votes for the opposition could endanger the country’s reform process and delay EU negotiations.

Why is this important: Rama has placed Albania’s EU integration at the center of his electoral message, portraying the May 11 elections as a referendum on the country’s path toward membership. He argues that a strong Socialist Party victory would ensure continued momentum, while any political instability could raise doubts in Brussels. The Prime Minister also linked the election outcome to the success of justice reform, which he claims is at risk if the opposition, which he calls the “swamp” gains ground.

Context: Speaking to Socialist Party members and candidates, Rama downplayed traditional party affiliations and urged voters to think beyond domestic politics. He insisted that the election was about securing Albania’s place in the EU rather than engaging in partisan battles.

“On May 11, we are number 10 [on the ballot], and we must secure a victory with a perfect 10, starting with Tirana, where the sky should be the only limit. Arithmetic calculations don’t matter in this election—what matters is the account that Albanians have with history, with the past, and with the future.”

On the opposition: Rama cautioned that votes for opposition forces could jeopardize Albania’s EU trajectory, arguing that they lack a credible plan and could destabilize reforms. He claimed that any deviation from the current path could complicate Albania’s standing with Brussels and slow the negotiation process.

“Now, what is the risk? Someone might say, ‘But everyone here wants to take Albania to the EU.’ Even the Swamp shouts ‘EU, EU, EU’ all day. The frogs have the EU in their mouths all the time. So why should the vote go to the Socialist Party? But May 11 must be the message an overwhelming majority of Albanians sends to this team: ‘Keep going, because nothing must change, the direction must not shift!”

What’s next: The Socialist Party is pushing for a strong electoral mandate to maintain momentum toward EU membership. With negotiations ongoing, the government is seeking a decisive victory to demonstrate Albania’s commitment to reforms.