Sunday s election has been described as a milestone in Albania s path to EU membership, which has been repeatedly stalled in recent years amid growing reluctance in Brussels towards enlargement. In 2019, President Emmanuel Macron blocked the start of Albania s negotiations over joining the bloc.
Even if negotiations do begin, significant hurdles remain over key areas such as corruption, organised crime, and institutional reform. Speaking this week, Rama blamed the EU for dragging its feet over Albania, while Basha has blamed Rama for failing to make progress during his eight years in power.
A recent poll found that 97% of Albanians want the country to join the EU bloc, making it one of the most pro-EU countries in the Western Balkans.
Two of Albania s bitter political rivals held closing rallies on Friday ahead of Sunday s parliamentary elections that are seen as a key milestone on the country s road to EU membership.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, the leader of the Socialist Party, addressed supporters in Vlora. His party pledges to turn Albania into a champion in sectors including energy and tourism.
But the country has been hard by COVID-19 and the devastating earthquake that struck in 2019.
Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha held a rally in the capital Tirana. He accuses the government of corruption and links to organised crime.
He is pledging lower taxes, higher salaries, and more social and financial support.
As Kosovo commemorated its 13th anniversary of independence, its new prime minister Albin Kurti
“I believe that independence implies also independence from independence. So, we can join the federation, be that with Albania or [the] EU… Once we would have a strengthening of the state of Kosovo, once we can do it peacefully and democratically move in that I think I would vote yes (in the referendum),” Kurti said.
In response to these comments, Taulant Balla, general secretary of Albania s ruling Socialist party, told Euronews Albania that any unification with Kosovo will only come when these two countries begin on the path to EU membership.