Ruling Socialists call National Assembly
During the gathering, the National Assembly decided to convene the Congress on July 20 to select 156 new Assembly members.
Why is this relevant
The convening of the Assembly and Congress by the Socialist Party marks a significant step in preparation for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for spring 2025.
Context
The Socialist Party is seeking to win a fourth mandate in the 2025 elections. With an opposition in disarray, weakened from years of infighting and from the fact that its historical leader is under house arrest and has been declared persona non grata by the US and UK for corruption undermining democracy, the Socialists go to the election as heavy favorites. They are better organized than the opposition and according to published data party membership has been steadily rising in recent months, also among generally more apathetic young voters. However, rising prices and a number of high-profile arrests of senior members, accused of corruption, have taken a toll on the party and tarnished its image in the eyes of the electorate. It is therefore working hard to reenergize its base and broaden support, by injecting new blood into its structures.
However, despite facing many challenges after governing the country for an unprecedented three mandates already, the Socialist Party does boast a history of successful accomplishments, foremost among them the justice reform that is finally holding Albanian politicians accountable for corruption and abuse. More importantly, in the lead-up to the elections, they have also decided to meet the corruption issue head-on by launching an ambitious anti-corruption drive that aims to implement deep modernizing reforms in the public administration and independent institutions with a focus on increasing efficiency and transparency.
Go deeper
Editorial note: The opposition’s protest that wasn’t
Published on December 23, 2024
Parliament Leaders’ Conference rejects opposition’s request on Inquiry into Durrës Port Project
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The opposition’s requested inquiry would have lasted six months, overlapping with the critical pre-election period. During election seasons, Parliament’s activities, including those of inquiry committees, are limited, making the establishment of such a committee practically unfeasible. The Democratic Party has a history of opposing projects proposed and implemented by their Socialist rivals for political gain. When in power, the Berisha government halted several projects initiated by the Municipality of Tirana, then led by Edi Rama, even demolishing some under construction on questionable grounds without awaiting court rulings. In opposition, the Democrats have continued this pattern, at times organizing protests—some of which turned violent—against projects that later proved to be highly popular and contributed significantly to the Socialists’ electoral successes.
SPAK reclassifies charges against former Minister Ilir Beqaj in sterilization concession case
Published on December 23, 2024
Why is this important: The decision marks a significant escalation in the case, as the charges now carry more severe penalties. Until now, Beqaj was accused solely of abuse of office, while his deputy faced charges of fraud, document forgery, and abuse of office. Businessman Ilir Rrapaj had been charged with fraud. The judge handling this case, previously gained attention when she accepted a request to lift house arrest for opposition leader Sali Berisha, whose own corruption case is set to begin soon. Berisha has credited his party for the new direction in the sterilization case, suggesting it influenced SPAK’s decision to strengthen the charges against the former Socialist minister.