Albanian Political Crisis: The Aftermath of the 2009 Elections
The aftermath of the June 2009 Albanian elections triggered a period of intense political instability, characterized by disputed results, parliamentary boycotts, and a stalled path toward European integration. What began as a narrow victory for the Democratic Party evolved into a multi-year deadlock that reshaped the nation's political landscape.
The Formation of the Government
Following the elections, the Democratic Party (DP)-led coalition sought to secure a parliamentary majority. While the exact seat count remained slightly unclear—fluctuating between 70 and 71 seats—the situation shifted on July 4, 2009. Ilir Meta, leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI), accepted an invitation from Sali Berisha to form a government. Meta stated that the LSI aimed to be a stabilizing force to assist Albania in its pursuit of European Union (EU) membership.
With the addition of four seats from the LSI, the coalition achieved the necessary majority to govern. However, this alliance was immediately contested by the Socialist Party, led by Edi Rama, which alleged irregularities and demanded the reopening of ballot boxes.
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International Observations and Domestic Deadlock
The OSCE/ODIHR (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) provided a nuanced assessment of the process. Their final report noted "tangible progress" in voter registration, identification, and the legal framework. However, these gains were overshadowed by the politicization of technical processes, campaign violations, and errors during the counting and tabulation of votes.
In response to the results, the Socialist Party boycotted parliament, leading to a prolonged political stalemate. By January 2010, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe expressed concern over the crisis, noting that the boycott stripped the government of the three-fifths majority required to pass essential constitutional reforms.
Escalation and Hunger Strikes
The tension peaked in May 2010 when the Socialist Party organized a hunger strike in Tirana. Approximately 200 supporters and 22 Socialist MPs camped on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, directly in front of the prime minister's office. They demanded electoral transparency and the opening of the 2009 ballot boxes. Although the strike ended later that month following talks mediated by European Parliament figures, the core disputes remained unresolved.
Impact on European Union Integration
The internal political strife had direct consequences for Albania's international ambitions. In November 2010, the European Commission identified the political stalemate as a significant barrier to Albania's candidacy for EU membership. The Commission noted that the deadlock diverted attention away from necessary EU-related reforms, resulting in only limited progress toward meeting political criteria.
Violence and Local Election Disputes
The crisis intensified in January 2011 following a corruption scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister and LSI leader Ilir Meta. On January 21, 2011, an opposition protest in Tirana turned violent, resulting in four deaths and dozens of injuries. The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights reported that the Republican Guard had used firearms and called for a full investigation.
Political friction continued into the 2011 local elections, specifically in the race for mayor of Tirana. Candidate Lulzim Basha defeated Edi Rama by only 81 votes after a controversial count involving ballots placed in incorrect boxes. This further strained government-opposition relations, leading to a 2012 presidential election where Bujar Nishani was elected in a vote boycotted by the main opposition.
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Political Realignment and the 2013 Transition
A major shift occurred in April 2013 when the LSI left the Democratic Party-led government to join the Socialist Party-led opposition. This realignment paved the way for the 2013 parliamentary elections, where the Alliance for a European Albania (comprising the Socialist Party and LSI) emerged victorious.
Sali Berisha conceded defeat on June 26, 2013, allowing for a transfer of power to Edi Rama. On September 15, 2013, the new Socialist-led government was approved. According to the Centre for Eastern Studies, this new coalition won 57.7% of the vote and secured 84 of the 140 parliamentary seats.
Key Facts
- Coalition Shift: The LSI initially helped Sali Berisha form a government in 2009 but switched to the Socialist Party coalition by 2013.
- EU Impact: The European Commission cited the 2009-2013 political deadlock as a primary barrier to EU candidacy.
- Tirana Mayoral Race: The 2011 election was decided by a narrow margin of 81 votes.
- 2013 Election Result: The Socialist-led coalition won 84 out of 140 seats with 57.7% of the vote.
- Casualties: Four protesters were killed during violent clashes in Tirana in January 2011.
| Year | Event | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Parliamentary Elections | DP-led coalition forms government with LSI support. |
| 2010 | Socialist Party Hunger Strike | Demands for electoral transparency; mediated by EU figures. |
| 2011 | Tirana Protests & Local Elections | Four deaths in January; Lulzim Basha wins mayoralty by 81 votes. |
| 2012 | Presidential Election | Bujar Nishani elected amidst opposition boycott. |
| 2013 | Parliamentary Elections | Socialist-led Alliance wins 84 seats; power transfers to Edi Rama. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Socialist Party boycott parliament after 2009?
The Socialist Party, led by Edi Rama, alleged that there were irregularities in the election process and demanded that ballot boxes and election materials be reopened for verification.
How did the political deadlock affect Albania's EU goals?
The European Commission stated that the stalemate was a significant barrier to candidacy, as it diverted political attention away from essential EU-related reforms and limited progress on political criteria.
What caused the violence in January 2011?
The violence erupted during an opposition protest in Tirana following a corruption scandal involving LSI leader and Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta.
What was the controversy regarding the 2011 Tirana mayoral election?
The election was highly disputed because Lulzim Basha won by a very slim margin of 81 votes after a controversial count of ballots that had been placed in the wrong ballot boxes.
How did the political landscape change in 2013?
The LSI shifted its alliance from the Democratic Party to the Socialist Party, forming the Alliance for a European Albania, which won the 2013 election and brought Edi Rama to power.