Albania: PM Rama’s fourth mandate will give high priority to EU membership

Event

Incumbent PM Edi Rama was re-elected for a fourth successive term after a landslide victory at the parliamentary elections on 11 May, with 52% of the votes going to his Socialist Party. His pro-EU programme, with a pledged target of EU accession in 2030, and a weak opposition led by former president Berisha allowed him to extend his rule for another four years. The large Albanese diaspora, who voted for the first time, confirmed their domestic vote to be detrimental to the Democratic Party, the main opposition party. Sali Berisha contested the results and called for protests.  

Impact

In power since 2013, Edi Rama will continue to rule the country and dominate the political system for another four years. The population has confirmed the popularity of the EU in the country, for which membership is a tangible and less remote achievement. The European Commission’s decision to decouple Albania and North Macedonia’s accession path last October gave an impetus to Albania’s accession prospects. However, in spite of his stronger parliamentary majority, Rama will be under tight scrutiny as he promised to reach this longstanding objective. This will require a more sustained and ambitious reform drive (notably on corruption and governance) than what has been done during his previous mandates. The prospect of continued political stability and EU enthusiasm in Albania are welcomed within the EU, as the Balkans face heightened instability risks and tensions (in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Kosovo) and Russian influence (in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Political and policy continuity contributes to keep Albania’s MLT political risk rating – which was upgraded in the end of 2023 – at a moderate level (in category 4/7).

Analyst: Raphaël Cecchi – r.cecchi@credendo.com