Socialist Party launches campaign with EU-themed rally and call for fourth mandate

The Socialist Party officially launched its election campaign at noon on Saturday, April 12, with a rally in Tirana’s Skanderbeg Square, where the twelve golden stars of the European Union flag were displayed prominently in the center of the stage.

Why is this important: After 12 years in power, the Socialists are seeking a fourth term under the slogan “Albania 2030 in Europe – only with Edi and the Socialist Party.”

Context: The event began with an artistic performance featuring cultural elements from each of Albania’s 12 regions, followed by speeches from all 12 regional political leaders. Prime Minister Edi Rama capped the event with a keynote address that mixed biblical and Quranic references and emphasized Albania’s historical and spiritual belonging to Europe.

The rally also featured the campaign anthem, “Tungjatjeta,” performed by rapper Noizy. The song, created specifically for this election, reflects the Socialist Party’s ambition to lead Albania into the EU.

Key message: Rama framed the May 11 election as a decisive moment for Albania’s European future. “Only a convincing vote for the Socialist Party can ensure our historic meeting with Europe,” he said, warning that votes for opponents risk derailing the EU path.

“Today is not just another campaign kickoff,” he said, “but a national gathering—of villages and cities, of mountains and fields, of all Albanians—beyond left and right, beyond partisan divides, to make Albania a respected member of the European family.”

Response to opposition’s US strategist: Rama also responded to a video posted by Chris La Civita, the American campaign adviser to Sali Berisha’s coalition, which showed an owl eating a mouse—a reference to Rama’s past labeling of Berisha as a “swamp owl.” Rama ridiculed the symbolism, suggesting that LaCivita had been paid handsomely to promote shallow attacks.

“Finding people willing to pay large sums to be clapped for, even when they’re completely off the mark—that’s a talent. The owl may be Berisha, but there are plenty of mice to choose from,” Rama quipped, taking aim at Berisha’s political allies.

He singled out the rector of Vlora University—now on the Socialist Party’s candidate list—as a former Berisha supporter who, like others, had “escaped the owl’s grip.”

Main campaign themes: Alongside the EU integration goal, the Socialist Party’s platform will focus on justice reform, economic modernization, and continued investments in infrastructure, health care, education, and social services. The campaign runs until May 9.