IDU Resolution on Albania

Resolution tabled by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party of Albania at the IDU Executive Meeting, December 6th in Washington, D.C.

Resolution on Albania

WHEREAS the IDU strongly upholds the rule of law and institutional integrity as cornerstones of democracy. In Albania, 12 years of Socialist rule have concentrated power in one person, reducing elections to a facade. Opposition leaders, MPs, and local officials face political persecution, imprisonment, and threats, mirroring authoritarian regimes like Belarus and Tunisia.

WHEREAS rampant corruption and ties between organized crime and the Socialist Party leadership, as exposed by Belgian authorities, are alarming. Drug cartels exploit Albania for money laundering, intertwining state and criminal enterprises. Wiretaps reveal collusion between government officials and crime networks to manipulate elections, appoint key figures, and intimidate voters.

WHEREAS despite OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, the Socialist majority under Prime Minister Rama has failed to address electoral abuses and has unilaterally amended the constitution to weaken the opposition. With the 2025 elections approaching, political repression is escalating, marked by politically motivated court trials, arrests, and the imprisonment of opposition leaders like Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, Ilir Meta, Fatmir Mediu, Ervin Salianji, and Fredi Beleri. The Special Court’s November 27, 2024 decision to revoke Mr. Berisha’s arrest followed the European Court of Human Rights questions to the parties about violations in his case, revealing a judiciary compromised by Socialist influence, that has become a tool for suppressing the opposition and rigging elections. The Venice Commission’s warnings of judicial reform being co-opted by the ruling party have materialized under Rama’s leadership, threatening Albania’s democratic stability.

The IDU demands:

1. End political persecution against opposition leaders ensuring a fair and open environment for all political actors to campaign without any political persecution;

2. The safeguarding of the rule of law and institutional integrity as the cornerstones of a democratic society;

3. An impartial judiciary free from political interference;

4. Intensification of the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering, while ensuring that actions remain impartial and do not target the opposition;

5. Free and fair elections guarantee the independence of public administration from the ruling party;

6. Establishment of a caretaker government, modeled on North Macedonia, to ensure free and fair elections.

The IDU reaffirms support for Albania’s EU accession, free elections, and the opposition’s critical role in restoring democracy. IDU will monitor developments closely and support Albania’s democratic and European aspirations.