Why is this important: Berisha, a dominant figure in Albanian politics for over three decades, is facing corruption charges and has been placed under a court order requiring regular appearances at SPAK after spending a year under house arrest. He has consistently dismissed the charges as politically motivated, accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government of using the judiciary to target political opponents. He has engaged in a frontal attack against SPAK and the justice reform vowing to dismantle it if he wins in May 11.

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.

Why this is important: The election of His Eminence Joan Pelushi represents a new chapter for the Albanian Orthodox Church, which was revived from decades of persecution under communist rule by Archbishop Anastasios. The transition of leadership is particularly significant as Pelushi is the first Albanian-born Archbishop to lead the Church since its restoration. His appointment fulfills Archbishop Anastasios’s final wish that a native Albanian cleric take on this role.

Why is this important: The nightclub was operating with a falsified license and lacked basic emergency exits, raising serious concerns about regulatory failures and institutional corruption. The protests, which began in Kočani and quickly spread to Skopje, reflect deep-seated public frustration with government inaction and lack of accountability. The fallout has already led to the resignation of the mayor of Kočani, while several former government officials have been arrested. The crisis has exposed broader governance failures and intensified demands for justice and reform.

Why is this important: The protest was meant to challenge censorship and restrictions on free speech, but the low turnout and mismanagement raise questions about DP’s mobilization capacity. Additionally, Berisha’s contradictory rhetoric—condemning the TikTok ban as censorship while simultaneously praising Donald Trump for shutting down Voice of America and Radio Free Europe—further complicated the message. His political missteps, including urging children to skip school to protest a platform they are not legally allowed to use, also hurt the event’s credibility.

Why is this important: Summer Day is a deeply rooted pagan festival that symbolizes renewal and the changing of seasons. In recent years, this day has become a major national celebration, centering in Elbasan, but also present throughout Albania. Key elements of the celebration include flowers, the “verore” bracelet—a colorful woven thread worn until the first sighting of swallows—and the traditional ballokume, a sweet corn-based treat closely associated with the holiday. A longstanding tradition is also to enjoy a meal outdoors, featuring seasonal vegetables and fresh produce, embracing the spirit of nature and community.

Why is this important: The decision to keep Erion Veliaj in pretrial detention despite the lack of new evidence only served to reenforce concerns about SPAK’s modus operandi. Critics argue that courts and judges increasingly appear to rubber-stamp SPAK’s decisions rather than independently evaluating the merits of each case. This perception is compounded by recent revelations that SPAK can wiretap judges and defense lawyers without prior court approval, raising serious due process concerns. If the prosecution has the ability to eavesdrop on both the defense and the judges overseeing a case, it raises fundamental questions about fairness, legal oversight, and the integrity of the judicial process. The case has also sparked wider debate about the use of pretrial detention as a default measure in non-violent, administrative cases—an issue that legal experts warn could set a dangerous precedent for future prosecutions.

Why is this important: Kos emphasized Albania’s progress on the path to EU membership, calling it a stable regional actor and a model for cooperation. She reassured that the upcoming May 11 elections would not disrupt the country’s negotiation process, as reforms must continue regardless of political leadership. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rama sees Albania’s rapid progress as proof that the country is on track for EU accession and has already secured €1 billion in EU funds for reforms.

Why is this important: Rama argued that his approach—closed lists for candidates but an open party structure—ensures PS remains dynamic and prevents stagnation. He dismissed criticism, insisting that those left in the open lists must fight for their mandates. At the same time, he harshly attacks his opponents, portraying their candidate lists as a display of political stagnation. With the DP opposition is such a weak state, Rama can afford to open up the party against internal dissension. Indeed, despite causing some confusion and dissatisfaction, the inclusion of so many new figures that are running under the SP banner, is giving SP’s image a boost by reenforcing its contrast to Berisha’s DP.

Why is this important: The candidate selection has sparked internal dissatisfaction, as several winners of the party’s primary elections were excluded from the closed list in favor of Berisha loyalists, thus greatly reducing their chances of securing a seat and making a mockery of the entire primaries process. There have already led to resignations, with some candidates withdrawing in protest and speaking out against DP and Berisha. Additionally, two small parties that were initially expected to join the coalition have opted out, raising questions about the strength and unity of Berisha’s electoral alliance. Indeed, several commentators have noted that with this candidate list Berisha seems to be aiming not for victory, but for a faithful parliamentary group that will cement his position as leader of DP.