Poll reveals Albanians reject Berisha’s protests and back Socialist Party for fourth term

A recent poll conducted by Report TV and a well-known local pollster reveals that 69.5% of Albanians disapprove of the opposition’s civil disobedience campaign led by Sali Berisha and the Democratic Party (DP). At the same time, the poll indicates that if elections were held today, Edi Rama’s Socialist Party (PS) would comfortably secure a fourth consecutive term with an absolute majority.

Why is this important: The survey reflects widespread frustration with the opposition’s confrontational tactics and suggests that voters are leaning toward stability under the Socialist Party. The weakening of traditional opposition forces, combined with the rise of new political movements, signals a potential shift in Albania’s political landscape.

Key findings: The poll shows that 69.5% of Albanians disapprove of Berisha’s protests, while Edi Rama’s Socialist Party (PS) holds strong public support, with 50.3% of voters backing the party for a fourth term.

Public disapproval of opposition protests: Berisha’s campaign of civil disobedience, which has included physical confrontations in Parliament, has failed to gain public support. Of the 1,861 respondents—including 1,301 voters inside Albania and 560 abroad—69.5% said they view the protests negatively, with only 28.1% in favor of the opposition’s actions.

Support for the suspension of DP deputies involved in vandalizing Parliament is also high. 71.3% of respondents approve of banning the deputies for 40 to 60 days, with 73.2% of Albanians abroad and 70.5% inside Albania backing the decision.

Socialist Party set to win big in elections: The poll suggests that Edi Rama’s Socialist Party (PS) would win another majority if elections were held today, with 50.3% of voters expressing support. In contrast, Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party (DP) would secure only 30.2%.

The survey also shows a dramatic decline for Ilir Meta’s Freedom Party, which now polls at 1.5%, down from the 6.8% it achieved in 2021. New political forces are emerging as key players:

• “Shqipëria Bëhet” has surged to 6.8%, becoming the third-largest political force.
• “Mundësi” is gaining ground with 3.1% support, particularly among emigrants.

Mixed views on government performance, strong support for SPAK: Public opinion on Rama’s government remains divided. 45.2% of respondents rated the government’s performance negatively, 42.4% positively, and 12.4% were undecided.

In contrast, the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) enjoys high public confidence, with 68.9% of respondents rating its performance positively. This suggests that while voters may have mixed feelings about the government, they strongly support anti-corruption efforts. This will undoubtedly displease Berisha who has riled repeatedly against SPAK ever since it began investigating him for corruption, accusing it of being under the control of the Prime Minister and organized crime. 

What’s next: The poll reflects a growing divide between the public and the opposition, with Berisha’s protests failing to resonate and voters. Indeed a case could be made that these methods are pushing voters towards favoring continuity under the Socialist Party. As traditional opposition parties lose ground, new political movements are gaining momentum, further reshaping Albania’s political scene.