The third harshest resolution/ IDU: A technical government should be created for free elections, the judiciary should be impartial

Another resolution in support of the Albanian opposition is approved. 

The Global Alliance of the Center-Right (GAL) has approved the resolution on Albania presented by the Democratic Party of Albania, according to which, in 12 years of socialist governance, power has been concentrated in a single person, reducing the electoral process to a facade. 

According to the IDU, as the 2025 elections approach, political repression is intensifying, accompanied by politically motivated trials, arrests and imprisonment of opposition leaders such as Sali Berisha, Ilir Meta, Fatmir Mediu, Ervin Salianji and Fredi Beleri.

Meanwhile, the IDU demands an end to political persecution against opposition leaders, free and fair elections, the creation of a caretaker government, modeled after North Macedonia, to ensure free and fair elections, etc. 

Resolution adopted: 

Resolution presented by the Democratic Party of Albania at the IDU Executive Meeting, December 6 in Washington, DC

EMPHASIZING that the IDU strongly supports the rule of law and institutional integrity as fundamental pillars of democracy. In Albania, 12 years of socialist rule have concentrated power in a single person, reducing the electoral process to a facade. Opposition leaders, MPs and local officials face political persecution, imprisonment and intimidation, reflecting authoritarian regimes such as those in Belarus and Tunisia.

NOTING that the widespread corruption and links between organised crime and the leadership of the Socialist Party, exposed by the Belgian authorities, are alarming. Drug cartels exploit Albania for money laundering, linking the state with organised crime. Wiretaps reveal collaboration between government officials and criminal networks to manipulate elections, appoint key figures and intimidate voters.

NOTING that, 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. As the 2025 elections approach, political repression is intensifying, accompanied by politically motivated trials, arrests and imprisonment of opposition leaders such as Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha, Ilir Meta, Fatmir Mediu, Ervin Salianji and Fredi Beleri.

The Special Court’s decision on 27 November 2024 to lift Mr Berisha’s arrest following questions from the European Court of Human Rights about violations in his case reveals a judiciary compromised by socialist influence, which has become a tool for suppressing the opposition and manipulating elections. The Venice Commission’s warnings that judicial reform is being misused by the ruling party have materialised under Rama, threatening Albania’s democratic stability.

The IDU demands:
1. An end to political persecution against opposition leaders, guaranteeing an open and fair environment for all political actors to campaign without any political persecution;
2. The preservation of the rule of law and institutional integrity as fundamental pillars of a democratic society;
3. An impartial judicial system, free from political interference;
4. Intensification of the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and money laundering, ensuring that these actions are impartial and do not target the opposition;
5. Free and fair elections, guaranteeing the independence of the public administration from the ruling party;
6. The establishment of a caretaker government, modeled after North Macedonia, to ensure free and fair elections.

IDU reiterates its support for Albania's EU integration, free elections and the critical role of the opposition in restoring democracy. IDU will carefully monitor developments and support Albania's democratic and European aspirations.

Earlier, another resolution on Albania, proposed by the Democratic Party, was adopted by the European People's Party (EPP), on the current situation in Albania. In the arguments presented, the EPP expresses concerns regarding corruption and the lack of elections, the lack of dialogue between political parties, and the links between drug trafficking and organized crime.

Likewise, the International Democratic Center, an organization that groups together 108 political parties from all continents, has adopted the strongest resolution against the regime in Albania, which expressed the need for an impartial justice system.