Edi Rama calls on Albanian diaspora in Greece to vote for Socialist Party in 2025 elections

Edi Rama has urged Albanians living in Greece to support the Socialist Party in the upcoming 2025 elections. His appeal emphasizes that a strong victory is crucial for Albania’s goal of joining the European Union by the end of the party’s fourth term in office.

Why is this important: For the first time, Albanians in the diaspora will have the right to vote from their host countries through mail-in ballots. With nearly half of the Albanian population living abroad, the votes of emigrants will play a critical role in determining the outcome of the 2025 elections. This development represents a significant step in empowering the Albanian diaspora and increasing their influence in national politics.

Context: Rama announced that all mailing costs for sending in ballots will be covered by the Albanian government, ensuring there are no financial barriers for voters. He also shared positive news about education for Albanian children born in Greece who have limited access to learning their native language. Starting next year, 50 teachers will begin teaching Albanian, with contracts signed under the Ministry of Education.

The Prime Minister spoke extensively about the historical contributions of Albanians in Greece, especially in Thessaloniki, over the past century and beyond. He encouraged Albanians to feel proud of their roots and confident in their presence in Greece. He credited the Socialist Party for changing Albania’s international image since taking office in 2013, highlighting key reforms, including the justice reform aimed at combating high-level political impunity.

Rama addressed criticism that he controls new judicial institutions, countering that the Special Anti-Corruption Structure has made more arrests within the Socialist Party than any other. He underscored that the Socialist Party remains the only political force in Albania fully committed to the justice reform.

What happened: The meeting drew over 2,500 Albanians and was heavily secured by Greek police. Ultranationalist Greek groups had announced protests against Rama’s visit, chanting slogans like “Freedom for Northern Epirus,” referring to southern Albania. However, Rama dismissed these extremists as “fossils” clinging to outdated ideas. He acknowledged receiving threats from such groups and expressed regret for those in both Albania and Greece who harbor anti-Greek or anti-Albanian  sentiments. Rama reaffirmed Albania’s strategic partnerships with Greece, Italy, and Turkey, emphasizing these alliances’ importance.

Despite the tension, no major incidents occurred. The Greek police effectively managed the situation, blocking a small group of protesters from approaching the event venue.