Tensions flare as Parliament reconvenes after May 11 election
Albania’s Parliament returned to session Thursday for the first time since the May 11 elections, reigniting political tensions as MPs resumed debate where they left off in March.
Why this is important: The session was the first face-to-face confrontation between the ruling Socialist majority—re-elected for another term—and a Democratic Party opposition still refusing to accept the election results. The meeting reaffirmed the deep political divide that will define the remaining weeks of this legislature.
Context: The Democratic Party had requested that Thursday’s session include a 60-minute open political debate. The Socialist majority rejected the proposal, insisting on a strictly procedural meeting to approve the three-week parliamentary calendar. Democrats argue the elections were manipulated and accuse Prime Minister Rama’s government of using criminal networks to sway the outcome.
Despite their objections, the Socialists’ victory has been acknowledged by the European Union and member states as well as by the U.S. The OSCE/ODIHR preliminary report did recognize a number of concerns such as alleged cases of misuse of state resources but concluded that the elections met international democratic standards.
What happened: In Parliament, Democratic leader Sali Berisha reiterated his allegations, naming alleged criminal figures whom he claims now have representation through 28 MPs in the new legislature. Speaker Elisa Spiropali cut him off, ending the session by declaring his political era had “expired.”
The legislature will remain active until early July. According to constitutional rules, no new laws can be passed in the two months preceding the start of a new parliamentary term in September.
Of the current 140 MPs, 82 will not return. Among them is Monika Kryemadhi, who announced her permanent exit from politics. Her former husband, former president and prime minister Ilir Meta, currently under arrest, also failed to secure a seat. Kryemadhi distanced herself from his campaign, stating she had no role in leading it.
What’s next: Parliament is expected to vote on approximately 25 legislative initiatives and hear institutional reports for the year 2024.
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