Piepoli Poll on Report TV: Socialist Party leads with 50.5% ahead of May 11 elections

With just 45 days to go until Albania’s parliamentary elections, a new poll conducted by the Piepoli Institute in collaboration with Report TV projects a clear lead for the ruling Socialist Party (SP). The survey indicates that SP is on track to secure between 46.5% and 50.5% of the vote, maintaining the same level of support as in the 2021 elections.

Why is this important: The results suggest a strong endorsement of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s leadership and his government’s agenda, particularly in advancing EU integration and maintaining political stability. On the other hand, the opposition, led by Sali Berisha under the Democratic Party (DP), faces declining trust, complicating its electoral prospects.

Key findings:

PS is projected to win up to 50.5% of the vote, maintaining its position from the last elections.

The opposition alliance, PD and the Alliance for a Greater Albania, trails with a forecast of 35% to 39% of the vote.

The emerging movement “Nisma Shqipëria Bëhet” has gained some ground, securing 7-9% support.

Other smaller parties, including Mundësia and the Social Democratic Party, remain below the 4.5% threshold.

Leadership trust: Edi Rama continues to be Albania’s most trusted political leader, with 43% of respondents expressing confidence in him. Sali Berisha follows with 36%. Other leaders, including Adriatik Lapaj and Agron Shehaj, saw minor declines in public trust.

Notably, former President Ilir Meta, currently facing criminal investigations, registered the lowest trust level, with just 1% support.

On EU integration and governance: When asked about which party is most capable of leading Albania into the European Union, 41% of respondents chose PS, compared to 35% for PD.

Trust in the government’s ability to fight corruption and ensure justice also remains relatively high for the Socialists, with around 40-42% of respondents supporting their efforts in comparison to 35-37% for the opposition.

Declining trust in Berisha and the opposition: The poll reveals a growing lack of confidence in the opposition, with 65% of respondents saying they do not trust Berisha’s leadership. Among them, 59% expressed complete distrust, marking a 4% increase from the previous survey.

In contrast, 61% of respondents also said they have no confidence in the smaller opposition parties, reflecting broader dissatisfaction.

Looking ahead: With Edi Rama’s Socialist Party holding a significant lead and opposition trust dwindling, the upcoming elections on May 11 may are expected to solidify SP’s dominance in Albanian politics. However, continued scrutiny over governance and public services could still play a role in shaping voter sentiment.