Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama is heading for a historic fourth term after his Socialist Party emerged ahead in the latest parliamentary elections, according to early vote counts released Monday, May 12.
Voters across the Balkan nation went to the polls on Sunday in a pivotal election seen as a major stepping stone toward EU membership. The race mainly centered on two familiar political heavyweights: Rama, now a three-time premier, and Sali Berisha, the long-standing leader of the right-wing Democratic Party.
Both sides pitched their visions for Albania’s economic future, with pledges to boost pensions, raise wages, expand infrastructure, and supercharge tourism. But beneath the campaign promises, deeper tensions simmered—especially around corruption and organized crime, two stubborn hurdles standing in the way of Albania’s EU ambitions.
Rama leaned heavily on his pro-European platform, touting progress and stability. Meanwhile, Berisha—who rallied support through an alliance of roughly 20 opposition parties—pushed for sweeping change under a bold “Great Albania” banner.
With over half the ballots tallied, Rama’s Socialists held a clear lead with 52.8% of the vote. The Berisha-led coalition trailed at 33.9%, according to preliminary results. If these numbers hold, Rama’s grip on power will tighten further, reinforcing his role as a central figure in Albania’s ongoing push toward EU integration.
