Albanian Socialists suspend campaign for national day of mourning honoring Pope Francis
Albania will observe Saturday as a national day of mourning to honor Pope Francis, following a decision by the government outlining the official protocol for public institutions. While the country is in the middle of an election campaign, the Socialist Party has suspended all campaigning for the day of the Pope’s burial. Despite calls to follow suit, Sali Berisha’s Democrats will continue their campaign activities albeit without any music.
Why is this important: The ruling party’s decision marks a rare pause in the high-stakes campaign season. Prime Minister Edi Rama had been scheduled to hold meetings in the important district of Fier on Saturday but has informed participants that all events are canceled. In contrast, opposition leader Sali Berisha has said the Democratic Party will continue its campaign activities but will do so in a subdued manner — beginning events with a minute of silence and refraining from using campaign music.
Context: A high-level Albanian delegation is attending the funeral in Rome, led by President Bajram Begaj. The president paid respects to Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. Peter, accompanied by representatives of Albania’s four religious communities — Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic, and Bektashi. Their joint presence serves as a powerful symbol of Albania’s religious harmony, which Pope Francis praised during his 2014 visit to the country.
Also in attendance at the Vatican are Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Cardinal Ernest Simoni, who stood alongside the Albanian delegation during the official tribute.
Go deeper
Report TV Piepoli poll: Socialists projected to gain in Tirana and Shkodër as Berisha’s bloc loses ground
Published on April 25, 2025
Why is this important: The districts of Tirana and Shkodër together account for 48 parliamentary mandates, making them decisive in shaping the next government. The Piepoli survey shows that the Socialist Party is on track to win an additional seat in Tirana compared to 2021, while the Berisha-led coalition could lose up to four seats there. In Shkodër—long considered a stronghold of the right—PS is also projected to make gains, signaling a potentially significant political realignment.
Sali Berisha vows to repeal controversial medical graduate work law
Published on April 25, 2025
Why this is important: The law was introduced by the Socialist government in response to a growing healthcare workforce crisis, as Albania loses a significant number of trained doctors—mostly to Germany and other EU countries—each year. With education funded by taxpayers, the measure aimed to ensure that graduates serve domestically before emigrating. Berisha’s vow to repeal the law, without offering an alternative strategy, seems to be a mere proposal to win the students support without any thought given to the consequences for a sector already facing shortages and systemic strain.
Kosovo’s Parliament deadlock continues as VV fails for sixth time to elect Speaker
Published on April 25, 2025
Why is this important: The continued failure to elect a Speaker is blocking the constitution of parliament and the formation of a new government. With only 57 votes in favor, Haxhiu’s candidacy has stalled, facing opposition from the main opposition parties. Critics, including opposition leader Memli Krasniqi, accuse VV of intentionally dragging out the process despite knowing their nominee lacks support. Without a resolution, Kosovo could face snap elections as early as May.