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Democratic Party of Albania

The Democratic Party of Albania (Albanian: Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë, PD or PDSH) is a conservative[9][10][11] political party in Albania. It has been the largest opposition party in the country since 2013.

Democratic Party of Albania
Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë
The logos of the DP; the left logo is used by Sali Berisha faction while the right logo is used by Enkelejd Alibeaj faction during the Democratic Party dispute of 2021.
AbbreviationPD[1]
ChairmanDisputed[2] between Enkelejd Alibeaj and Sali Berisha
Leader of the Parliamentary GroupDisputed between Enkelejd Alibeaj and Luçiano Boçi[3]
General SecretaryDisputed between Gazment Bardhi[4] and Flamur Noka[5]
Founded12 December 1990[6]
HeadquartersBulevardi Zhan D'Ark 11, 1001 Tirana, Albania
NewspaperRilindja Demokratike
Student wingGrupimi Rinor Universitar Demokrat
Youth wingForumi Rinor i Partisë Demokratike
Membership (2021)44,000[7]
Ideology
Political positionCentre-right
National affiliationTogether We Win (Berisha faction only)
European affiliationEuropean People's Party (associate)[8]
International affiliationCentrist Democrat International
International Democrat Union
SloganShqipëria si Europa! (Albania [becoming] like Europe!)
National Assembly
31 / 140
Municipality
1 / 61
Party flag
Website
pd.al (Alibeaj faction)
pdsh.al (Berisha faction)

The Democratic Party of Albania was founded in 1990 as a strongly anti-communist party with the majority of its followers being from politically persecuted dissidents of the communist dictatorial regime of Enver Hoxha.

In international relations, the Democratic Party of Albania is an associate member of the European People's Party and a full member of International Democrat Union.

History

Foundation

The Democratic Party was founded on 12 December 1990 with major involvement from Avdyl Matoshi, Azem Hajdari, Sali Berisha and Gramoz Pashko,[12] and Arben Imami, Edmond Budina, Eduart Selami, Genc Ruli, Merita Zaloshnja, Aleksandër Meksi involved only in the early stages of the formation of the party. It is the first opposition party in Albania after more than 45 years of a communist leadership.[13][14] The party was created as an anti-communist movement.[15]

1991: First pluralist elections

The First Pluralist would be the first elections since 1923 to allow more than one Party. The Ruling Labour Party of Albania during the 1991 Elections had the biggest advantage during the election. Including the influence over the media.[16] There was no opportunity for the Democratic party and other Anti-Communist parties in the election to influence the rural country side. The Democratic Party platform had promised the transformation of living standards through membership in the European Community, strong connection with the United States and other Western nations, Gastarbeiter in German factories abroad, and immediate steps towards a free-market economy.[16] Which resulted in the Democratic Party coming in second place in results. The Democratic party would ultimately win in the next Election.

1992: Second pluralist parliamentary presidential elections

The Democratic Party of Albania won the parliamentary elections of 22 March 1992,[17] the second free and fair elections after many decades of mandatory and single communist party candidate elections. Sali Berisha its leader was elected as the second President of Albania, which at the time had executive powers, and Aleksandër Meksi as Prime Minister.[18][19] Sali Berisha with significant contribution in the formation of the party, and Aleksandër Meksi with minor contribution. The second pluralist government of Albania governed by the Democratic Party and its leader was tasked with executing reforms to turn the country from a communist style everything in the hands of the government rule into a democratic country based in free markets, property rights, individual rights, and without interference of the government in the private lives of its citizens.[20][21]

1996 Presidential elections

Four years after the second free and fair elections, new free and fair election in respect to the new Constitution of Albania adopted in 1991, conform other democratic western and European countries were due. The elections were held on 26 May 1996.[22][23] The main and well known political leaders of the party that governed the Republic of Albania for more than 45 years, under a ruthless regime, were no longer a major participant in the election. However, the party itself and its new and less known leaders at the time of the former Labor Party, the main political party during the communist regime was reformed, changed its platform conform to other parties that held the same believes, mainly left-wing philosophies, conform democratic standards, and its name to the Socialist Party of Albania. It was the only serious opponent and challenger to the Democratic Party of Albania in the 26 May 1996 presidential elections.[23] During these elections the international election observers were limited in numbers.[24] The Democratic Party of Albania and its allies were able to win more than 71 seats in the parliament, on the Presidential Election of 26 May 1996, enough to form the majority and stay in government.[25] Sali Berisha and Aleksandër Meksi respectively remained President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, until new parliamentary election were called due to the Ponzi-Schemes crisis, held on 29 June 1997.[25]

1997 parliamentary elections

The Ponzi-Schemes lead to civil unrest that culminated in early spring of 1997. The crisis was deeply severe. The government led by the Democratic Party of Albania and its leader due to civil unrest was not able to function properly in many parts of the country, especially in the south of Albania.[26] The fact that these Ponzi-Schemes were endorsed by the government (led by the Democratic Party of Albania) or suggested people to invest in these schemes and the majority of the people who invested in these Ponzi-Schemes blamed the Democratic Party's government for the failure of the Ponzi-Schemes. As a result of this crisis and internal civil unrest new parliamentary election were called on 29 June 1997 to sooth the situation.[26][27][28] As a result of these elections the Democratic Party of Albania lost its elections to its opposition party, Socialist Party of Albania.[29][30]

A little more than a year after the Socialist Party of Albania took control of the government on 12 September 1998 Azem Hajdari one of the founding members of the Democratic Party of Albania and a very important political figure within the party was assassinated. His assassination lead to further unrest in Albania.[31] The Democratic Party of Albania was in opposition and its leader, the former President of Albania (with executive powers), who was in the leadership of the party during this time, Sali Berisha, accused the government of the Socialist Party of Albania as the perpetrator of the assassination of Azem Hajdari.[32]

2001 parliamentary elections

On 24 June 2001 the next parliamentary elections on the due date as provided by the constitution were held. These elections were also lost by the Democratic Party of Albania although not as deeply as the previous elections. The Democratic Party alleged irregularities and did not accept the result of the elections.[33] ODHIR and OSCE which were involved in monitoring the elections and as an independent party declared on their final report that the elections were marked by irregularities and that repeated voting in some electoral zones increased the violations and irregularities of the election. To what extent these irregularities and violations helped the Socialist Party of Albania win in such a wide range was not determined or conclusive in the election report.[34]

2005 parliamentary elections

In the 2005 parliamentary elections, the Democratic Party won 56 of the 140 seats and its allies won 18 under the call Time to Change (Koha per Ndryshim). Two other parties also joined the new coalition (PAA of the left wing & PBDNJ of the Greek minority, with 4 and 2 seats, respectively). This meant that with a combined total of 79 seats, the Democratic Party and its allies were able to form a government with Sali Berisha becoming Prime Minister. One of his priorities was Albanian integration to NATO, an objective he accomplished in 2009 when Albania and Croatia were accepted as members. The biggest tragedy after Albanian Civil War happened in Saturday 15 March 2008 which is known as 2008 Gërdec explosions . Officially, Albanian authorities confirmed 26 deaths in the explosions. Officials report the number of injured people at over 300. According to figures published by the Prime Minister's Office, 2,306 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the explosions. Of these, 318 houses were destroyed completely, 200 buildings were seriously damaged, and 188 buildings were less seriously damaged.[35][36]

2009 parliamentary elections

On 28 June 2009 the next elections that were due on the date provided were held. The elections were won by the Democratic Party with its electoral alliance.[37] Alliance of Change (Aleance e Ndryshimit). The alliance consisted of mostly Right Wing parties. Shortly before the election the Ethnic Greek unity party had switched to join the Center Left alliance of Edi Rama Unification for Change (Bashkimi për Ndryshim). Due to the PDIU, a party representing the interest of Cham Albanians whose properties in Greece were seized after the Second world war. Nevertheless the Democratic party with its alliance had won 70 out of the 140 seats.[38] It was unclear whether the Democratic party and its alliance had won 70 or 71.[39] On 4 July 2009, Ilir Meta leader of LSI announced he had accepted a deal to form a working majority coalition. Making PD and its alliance have 74 out of 140.[40]

2013 parliamentary elections

After the defeat in the 2013 parliamentary election, Berisha announced his resignation as party leader. A one-member-one-vote election was held for the first time on 23 July 2013, in which Lulzim Basha defeated his opponent Sokol Olldashi and was elected Chairman of the Democratic Party.[41][42]

On 30 September 2014, a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership and to announce a tough reform of the party.[43][citation needed]

On the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party, party leader Basha announced his program for the further modernization and democratisation of the party ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections.

After previously promising that 35% of the parliamentary candidates would consist of members from the youth movement of the Party, Basha now announced a limitations of all mandates of the party leaders to a two-year term, and the full democratisation of the internal election process.[44]

2017 parliamentary elections

On 18 February 2017 members of the Democratic Party and other opposition parties, under the leadership of Basha pitched a giant tent outside the Prime Minister's office in Tirana after thousands of protesters rallied to demand free elections and a technocrat government. The opposition protest further escalated into a larger political conflict. The Democratic Party and its allies refused to register to take part in the 25 June general election, until the government will accept their conditions to secure a free and democratic election.[45][46]

2021 parliamentary elections

 
1992 Logo of the Democratic Party of Albania
 
1997 Design of the Democratic Party logo

On 16 February 2019 the Albanian opposition led by Lulzim Basha protested for three years under his leadership, with the goals of removing Edi Rama from power. The opposition coalition consists of the Democratic Party (PD), the Socialist Movement for Integration, the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity, the Republican Party and other minor opposition parties. After the first protests opposition MPs decided to resign in mass from parliament, more than 40 seats were vacated.[47] Due to the protests the opposition parties decided to boycott the local elections that were previously set to be held on 30 June 2019. Lulzim Basha formed an alliance with minority parties, forming the Democratic Party Alliance for Change (Partia Demokratike - Aleanca për Ndryshim).[48] However this was not enough to deliver the Democratic Party a victory, it did however increase its seats in Parliament[49] and the 2021 Albanian parliamentary election would be the third loss in a row for the Democratic Party.[50] Following the election aftermath Sali Berisha had been declared Persona Non Grata by the United States.[51] Which resulted in Lulzim Basha expelling Berisha from the parliamentary group[52] and begun causing party internal fighting between members of Basha's faction and Berisha's faction. On 11 December at Arena Kombëtare, the Berisha faction held a national council to remove Basha and his members from the party leadership. More than 4,446 voted for the removal of Lulzim Basha from party leader of the Democratic Party.[53] However, Basha did not recognize the results and the party internal feuds continued. On 6 March 2022 Partial Local elections for Specifically, Shkodër, Durrës, Dibër, Vorë, Rrogozhinë, and Lushnjë. Many supporters had left to support Sali Berisha's coalition "House of Freedom" during the party internal feuds. Which resulted in The Democratic party being placed third and second. While Sali Berisha and his coalition coming first place in Shkodër.[54][55] Following the defeats in the partial local elections, Lulzim Basha stepped down which resulted in Sali Berisha and Enkelejd Alibeaj having disputes over leadership of the party.[56][57] Although not just Alibeaj and Berisha, members of Berisha's factions as well began to have disputes between each other, specifically between Belind Këlliçi and Evi Kokalari. Këlliçi had accused Kokalari that she had been attacking him and claimed that "Kokalari took time to hit me with some of the accusations and slanders used by the Socialists against me." As a result Këlliçi had taken Kokalari to trial and responded to the accusations that Evi Kokalari has made against him with a defamation lawsuit, where he demands 1 million Lek in compensation.[58][59] On 7 July 2022 a big protest was held in Tirana in front of the Prime Minster's Office, Sali Berisha as defacto Chairman of the party had called it weeks before.[60] The protest was called under the motto and slogan "Albania in Danger" (Shqipëria në rrezik). Sali Berisha stated that the future of Albania and the Albanians was at risk and the stake of the fatherland was in their hands.[61]

Headquarters

The party's headquarters are located in Tirana, capital city of Albania,[62] not too far away from the Albanian Parliament (approximately 50 meters away). The newspaper Rilindja Demokratike, the Democratic Party's main news organ, is located at the same headquarters building.

Election results

Election Votes % Seats +/– Government
1991 720,948 38.7 (#2)
75 / 250
  75 Opposition
1992 1,046,193 57.3 (#1)
92 / 140
  17 Coalition
1996 914,218 55.2 (#1)
122 / 140
  30 Coalition
1997 315,677 24.1 (#2)
24 / 155
  98 Opposition
2001 494,272 36.9 (#2)
46 / 140
  20 Opposition
2005 602,066 44.2 (#1)
56 / 140
  10 Coalition
2009 610,463 40.2 (#2)
68 / 140
  12 Coalition
2013 528,373 30.6 (#2)
50 / 140
  18 Opposition
2017 427,778 28.8 (#2)
43 / 140
  7 Opposition
2021 622,234 39.4 (#2)
59 / 140
  13 Opposition

Ideology

The Democratic party of Albania is considered to be a centre-right[1][63] party that holds liberal conservative[63] and conservative[9][10][11] views. However, the party has members that also hold national conservative views.[64] The Democrats also support NATO and is also pro-European,[1][63] and supports accession of Albania to the European Union.[1][63]

Party split (2021–)

Following the split between Berisha and Alibeaj on the party leadership. Many of Pro-Berisha deputies were expelled by Alibeaj as a fear that he would be removed as leader of Group leader in Parliament.[65][66] The party in total has split into Five categories in the party. As listed below:[67]

Pro-Alibeaj Pro-Berisha Neutral Expelled by Alibeaj Mixed Deputies
Arbi Agalliu Bujar Leskaj Agron Gjekmarkaj Agron Shehaj Merita Bakiu
Dashnor Sula Edi Paloka Oriela Nebiaj Albana Vokshi Elda Hoti
Enkelejd Alibeaj Ervin Salianji Bledjon Nallbati Belind Këlliçi Emilia Koliqi
Eralda Bano Ina Zhupa Dhurata Çupi Edmond Spaho Andia Ulliri
Flamur Hoxha Isuf Çelaj Fation Veizaj Flamur Noka Ilda Dhori
Gazment Bardhi Greta Bardeli Ferdinand Xhaferraj Luan Baçi Kasem Mahmutaj
Helidon Bushati Kastriot Piroli Flutura Açka Tritan Shehu Selaudin Jaupllari
Jorida Tabaku Lindita Metaliaj Petrit Doda Oerd Bylykbashi
Kreshnik Çollaku Sorina Koti Sali Berisha
Lefter Gështenja Tomor Alizoti
Lulzim Basha Xhelal Mziu
Orjola Pampuri Zef Hila
Zheni Gjergji Luçiano Boçi
Ramadan Likaj
Saimir Korreshi

Party leaders

Person Period
Sali Berisha 1990 – 1992
Eduart Selami 1992 - 1995
Tritan Shehu 1995 - 1997
Sali Berisha 1997 - 2013
Lulzim Basha 2013 – 2022
Sali Berisha Disputed
Enkelejd Alibeaj Disputed

References

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democratic, party, albania, confused, with, democratic, alliance, party, albania, democratic, party, albania, party, north, macedonia, albanian, partia, demokratike, shqipërisë, pdsh, conservative, political, party, albania, been, largest, opposition, party, c. Not to be confused with Democratic Alliance Party Albania or New Democratic Party Albania For the party in North Macedonia see Democratic Party of Albanians The Democratic Party of Albania Albanian Partia Demokratike e Shqiperise PD or PDSH is a conservative 9 10 11 political party in Albania It has been the largest opposition party in the country since 2013 Democratic Party of Albania Partia Demokratike e ShqiperiseThe logos of the DP the left logo is used by Sali Berisha faction while the right logo is used by Enkelejd Alibeaj faction during the Democratic Party dispute of 2021 AbbreviationPD 1 ChairmanDisputed 2 between Enkelejd Alibeaj and Sali BerishaLeader of the Parliamentary GroupDisputed between Enkelejd Alibeaj and Luciano Boci 3 General SecretaryDisputed between Gazment Bardhi 4 and Flamur Noka 5 Founded12 December 1990 6 HeadquartersBulevardi Zhan D Ark 11 1001 Tirana AlbaniaNewspaperRilindja DemokratikeStudent wingGrupimi Rinor Universitar DemokratYouth wingForumi Rinor i Partise DemokratikeMembership 2021 44 000 7 IdeologyConservatismLiberal conservatismPro EuropeanismPolitical positionCentre rightNational affiliationTogether We Win Berisha faction only European affiliationEuropean People s Party associate 8 International affiliationCentrist Democrat InternationalInternational Democrat UnionSloganShqiperia si Europa Albania becoming like Europe National Assembly31 140Municipality1 61Party flagWebsitepd wbr al Alibeaj faction pdsh wbr al Berisha faction Politics of AlbaniaPolitical partiesElectionsThe Democratic Party of Albania was founded in 1990 as a strongly anti communist party with the majority of its followers being from politically persecuted dissidents of the communist dictatorial regime of Enver Hoxha In international relations the Democratic Party of Albania is an associate member of the European People s Party and a full member of International Democrat Union Contents 1 History 1 1 Foundation 1 2 1991 First pluralist elections 1 3 1992 Second pluralist parliamentary presidential elections 1 4 1996 Presidential elections 1 5 1997 parliamentary elections 1 6 2001 parliamentary elections 1 7 2005 parliamentary elections 1 8 2009 parliamentary elections 1 9 2013 parliamentary elections 1 10 2017 parliamentary elections 1 11 2021 parliamentary elections 2 Headquarters 3 Election results 4 Ideology 5 Party split 2021 6 Party leaders 7 ReferencesHistory EditFoundation Edit The Democratic Party was founded on 12 December 1990 with major involvement from Avdyl Matoshi Azem Hajdari Sali Berisha and Gramoz Pashko 12 and Arben Imami Edmond Budina Eduart Selami Genc Ruli Merita Zaloshnja Aleksander Meksi involved only in the early stages of the formation of the party It is the first opposition party in Albania after more than 45 years of a communist leadership 13 14 The party was created as an anti communist movement 15 1991 First pluralist elections Edit Main article 1991 Albanian parliamentary electionThe First Pluralist would be the first elections since 1923 to allow more than one Party The Ruling Labour Party of Albania during the 1991 Elections had the biggest advantage during the election Including the influence over the media 16 There was no opportunity for the Democratic party and other Anti Communist parties in the election to influence the rural country side The Democratic Party platform had promised the transformation of living standards through membership in the European Community strong connection with the United States and other Western nations Gastarbeiter in German factories abroad and immediate steps towards a free market economy 16 Which resulted in the Democratic Party coming in second place in results The Democratic party would ultimately win in the next Election 1992 Second pluralist parliamentary presidential elections Edit The Democratic Party of Albania won the parliamentary elections of 22 March 1992 17 the second free and fair elections after many decades of mandatory and single communist party candidate elections Sali Berisha its leader was elected as the second President of Albania which at the time had executive powers and Aleksander Meksi as Prime Minister 18 19 Sali Berisha with significant contribution in the formation of the party and Aleksander Meksi with minor contribution The second pluralist government of Albania governed by the Democratic Party and its leader was tasked with executing reforms to turn the country from a communist style everything in the hands of the government rule into a democratic country based in free markets property rights individual rights and without interference of the government in the private lives of its citizens 20 21 1996 Presidential elections Edit Four years after the second free and fair elections new free and fair election in respect to the new Constitution of Albania adopted in 1991 conform other democratic western and European countries were due The elections were held on 26 May 1996 22 23 The main and well known political leaders of the party that governed the Republic of Albania for more than 45 years under a ruthless regime were no longer a major participant in the election However the party itself and its new and less known leaders at the time of the former Labor Party the main political party during the communist regime was reformed changed its platform conform to other parties that held the same believes mainly left wing philosophies conform democratic standards and its name to the Socialist Party of Albania It was the only serious opponent and challenger to the Democratic Party of Albania in the 26 May 1996 presidential elections 23 During these elections the international election observers were limited in numbers 24 The Democratic Party of Albania and its allies were able to win more than 71 seats in the parliament on the Presidential Election of 26 May 1996 enough to form the majority and stay in government 25 Sali Berisha and Aleksander Meksi respectively remained President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania until new parliamentary election were called due to the Ponzi Schemes crisis held on 29 June 1997 25 1997 parliamentary elections Edit The Ponzi Schemes lead to civil unrest that culminated in early spring of 1997 The crisis was deeply severe The government led by the Democratic Party of Albania and its leader due to civil unrest was not able to function properly in many parts of the country especially in the south of Albania 26 The fact that these Ponzi Schemes were endorsed by the government led by the Democratic Party of Albania or suggested people to invest in these schemes and the majority of the people who invested in these Ponzi Schemes blamed the Democratic Party s government for the failure of the Ponzi Schemes As a result of this crisis and internal civil unrest new parliamentary election were called on 29 June 1997 to sooth the situation 26 27 28 As a result of these elections the Democratic Party of Albania lost its elections to its opposition party Socialist Party of Albania 29 30 A little more than a year after the Socialist Party of Albania took control of the government on 12 September 1998 Azem Hajdari one of the founding members of the Democratic Party of Albania and a very important political figure within the party was assassinated His assassination lead to further unrest in Albania 31 The Democratic Party of Albania was in opposition and its leader the former President of Albania with executive powers who was in the leadership of the party during this time Sali Berisha accused the government of the Socialist Party of Albania as the perpetrator of the assassination of Azem Hajdari 32 2001 parliamentary elections Edit On 24 June 2001 the next parliamentary elections on the due date as provided by the constitution were held These elections were also lost by the Democratic Party of Albania although not as deeply as the previous elections The Democratic Party alleged irregularities and did not accept the result of the elections 33 ODHIR and OSCE which were involved in monitoring the elections and as an independent party declared on their final report that the elections were marked by irregularities and that repeated voting in some electoral zones increased the violations and irregularities of the election To what extent these irregularities and violations helped the Socialist Party of Albania win in such a wide range was not determined or conclusive in the election report 34 2005 parliamentary elections Edit In the 2005 parliamentary elections the Democratic Party won 56 of the 140 seats and its allies won 18 under the call Time to Change Koha per Ndryshim Two other parties also joined the new coalition PAA of the left wing amp PBDNJ of the Greek minority with 4 and 2 seats respectively This meant that with a combined total of 79 seats the Democratic Party and its allies were able to form a government with Sali Berisha becoming Prime Minister One of his priorities was Albanian integration to NATO an objective he accomplished in 2009 when Albania and Croatia were accepted as members The biggest tragedy after Albanian Civil War happened in Saturday 15 March 2008 which is known as 2008 Gerdec explosions Officially Albanian authorities confirmed 26 deaths in the explosions Officials report the number of injured people at over 300 According to figures published by the Prime Minister s Office 2 306 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the explosions Of these 318 houses were destroyed completely 200 buildings were seriously damaged and 188 buildings were less seriously damaged 35 36 2009 parliamentary elections Edit Main article 2009 Albanian parliamentary electionOn 28 June 2009 the next elections that were due on the date provided were held The elections were won by the Democratic Party with its electoral alliance 37 Alliance of Change Aleance e Ndryshimit The alliance consisted of mostly Right Wing parties Shortly before the election the Ethnic Greek unity party had switched to join the Center Left alliance of Edi Rama Unification for Change Bashkimi per Ndryshim Due to the PDIU a party representing the interest of Cham Albanians whose properties in Greece were seized after the Second world war Nevertheless the Democratic party with its alliance had won 70 out of the 140 seats 38 It was unclear whether the Democratic party and its alliance had won 70 or 71 39 On 4 July 2009 Ilir Meta leader of LSI announced he had accepted a deal to form a working majority coalition Making PD and its alliance have 74 out of 140 40 2013 parliamentary elections Edit After the defeat in the 2013 parliamentary election Berisha announced his resignation as party leader A one member one vote election was held for the first time on 23 July 2013 in which Lulzim Basha defeated his opponent Sokol Olldashi and was elected Chairman of the Democratic Party 41 42 On 30 September 2014 a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership and to announce a tough reform of the party 43 citation needed On the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party party leader Basha announced his program for the further modernization and democratisation of the party ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections After previously promising that 35 of the parliamentary candidates would consist of members from the youth movement of the Party Basha now announced a limitations of all mandates of the party leaders to a two year term and the full democratisation of the internal election process 44 2017 parliamentary elections Edit Main article 2017 Albanian parliamentary election On 18 February 2017 members of the Democratic Party and other opposition parties under the leadership of Basha pitched a giant tent outside the Prime Minister s office in Tirana after thousands of protesters rallied to demand free elections and a technocrat government The opposition protest further escalated into a larger political conflict The Democratic Party and its allies refused to register to take part in the 25 June general election until the government will accept their conditions to secure a free and democratic election 45 46 2021 parliamentary elections Edit Main article 2021 Albanian parliamentary election 1992 Logo of the Democratic Party of Albania 1997 Design of the Democratic Party logoOn 16 February 2019 the Albanian opposition led by Lulzim Basha protested for three years under his leadership with the goals of removing Edi Rama from power The opposition coalition consists of the Democratic Party PD the Socialist Movement for Integration the Party for Justice Integration and Unity the Republican Party and other minor opposition parties After the first protests opposition MPs decided to resign in mass from parliament more than 40 seats were vacated 47 Due to the protests the opposition parties decided to boycott the local elections that were previously set to be held on 30 June 2019 Lulzim Basha formed an alliance with minority parties forming the Democratic Party Alliance for Change Partia Demokratike Aleanca per Ndryshim 48 However this was not enough to deliver the Democratic Party a victory it did however increase its seats in Parliament 49 and the 2021 Albanian parliamentary election would be the third loss in a row for the Democratic Party 50 Following the election aftermath Sali Berisha had been declared Persona Non Grata by the United States 51 Which resulted in Lulzim Basha expelling Berisha from the parliamentary group 52 and begun causing party internal fighting between members of Basha s faction and Berisha s faction On 11 December at Arena Kombetare the Berisha faction held a national council to remove Basha and his members from the party leadership More than 4 446 voted for the removal of Lulzim Basha from party leader of the Democratic Party 53 However Basha did not recognize the results and the party internal feuds continued On 6 March 2022 Partial Local elections for Specifically Shkoder Durres Diber Vore Rrogozhine and Lushnje Many supporters had left to support Sali Berisha s coalition House of Freedom during the party internal feuds Which resulted in The Democratic party being placed third and second While Sali Berisha and his coalition coming first place in Shkoder 54 55 Following the defeats in the partial local elections Lulzim Basha stepped down which resulted in Sali Berisha and Enkelejd Alibeaj having disputes over leadership of the party 56 57 Although not just Alibeaj and Berisha members of Berisha s factions as well began to have disputes between each other specifically between Belind Kellici and Evi Kokalari Kellici had accused Kokalari that she had been attacking him and claimed that Kokalari took time to hit me with some of the accusations and slanders used by the Socialists against me As a result Kellici had taken Kokalari to trial and responded to the accusations that Evi Kokalari has made against him with a defamation lawsuit where he demands 1 million Lek in compensation 58 59 On 7 July 2022 a big protest was held in Tirana in front of the Prime Minster s Office Sali Berisha as defacto Chairman of the party had called it weeks before 60 The protest was called under the motto and slogan Albania in Danger Shqiperia ne rrezik Sali Berisha stated that the future of Albania and the Albanians was at risk and the stake of the fatherland was in their hands 61 Headquarters EditThe party s headquarters are located in Tirana capital city of Albania 62 not too far away from the Albanian Parliament approximately 50 meters away The newspaper Rilindja Demokratike the Democratic Party s main news organ is located at the same headquarters building Election results EditElection Votes Seats Government1991 720 948 38 7 2 75 250 75 Opposition1992 1 046 193 57 3 1 92 140 17 Coalition1996 914 218 55 2 1 122 140 30 Coalition1997 315 677 24 1 2 24 155 98 Opposition2001 494 272 36 9 2 46 140 20 Opposition2005 602 066 44 2 1 56 140 10 Coalition2009 610 463 40 2 2 68 140 12 Coalition2013 528 373 30 6 2 50 140 18 Opposition2017 427 778 28 8 2 43 140 7 Opposition2021 622 234 39 4 2 59 140 13 OppositionIdeology EditThe Democratic party of Albania is considered to be a centre right 1 63 party that holds liberal conservative 63 and conservative 9 10 11 views However the party has members that also hold national conservative views 64 The Democrats also support NATO and is also pro European 1 63 and supports accession of Albania to the European Union 1 63 Party split 2021 EditFollowing the split between Berisha and Alibeaj on the party leadership Many of Pro Berisha deputies were expelled by Alibeaj as a fear that he would be removed as leader of Group leader in Parliament 65 66 The party in total has split into Five categories in the party As listed below 67 Pro Alibeaj Pro Berisha Neutral Expelled by Alibeaj Mixed DeputiesArbi Agalliu Bujar Leskaj Agron Gjekmarkaj Agron Shehaj Merita BakiuDashnor Sula Edi Paloka Oriela Nebiaj Albana Vokshi Elda HotiEnkelejd Alibeaj Ervin Salianji Bledjon Nallbati Belind Kellici Emilia KoliqiEralda Bano Ina Zhupa Dhurata Cupi Edmond Spaho Andia UlliriFlamur Hoxha Isuf Celaj Fation Veizaj Flamur Noka Ilda DhoriGazment Bardhi Greta Bardeli Ferdinand Xhaferraj Luan Baci Kasem MahmutajHelidon Bushati Kastriot Piroli Flutura Acka Tritan Shehu Selaudin JaupllariJorida Tabaku Lindita Metaliaj Petrit Doda Oerd BylykbashiKreshnik Collaku Sorina Koti Sali BerishaLefter Geshtenja Tomor AlizotiLulzim Basha Xhelal MziuOrjola Pampuri Zef HilaZheni Gjergji Luciano BociRamadan LikajSaimir KorreshiParty leaders EditPerson PeriodSali Berisha 1990 1992Eduart Selami 1992 1995Tritan Shehu 1995 1997Sali Berisha 1997 2013Lulzim Basha 2013 2022Sali Berisha DisputedEnkelejd Alibeaj DisputedReferences Edit a b c d European Election Watch Albania Center for Strategic and International Studies Retrieved 4 January 2022 Berisha Claims He s Back in Charge of Albania s Democratic Party 23 May 2022 Democrat Asks MP to Not Attend Alibeaj s Meet on New President Albanian opposition won t elect new leader following chairman s resignation 23 March 2022 Flamur Noka is elected General Secretary of the Democratic Party politiko al Retrieved 29 June 2022 Robert Elsie 2010 Historical Dictionary of Albania Scarecrow Press pxliii Berisha nga Durresi 40 mije demokrate u ngriten per t i rikthyer vleren partise Prokuroria Speciale eshte bere e rrezikshme per Ramen 17 May 2022 Parties and Partners European People s Party a b Slomp Hans 26 September 2011 Europe A Political Profile An American Companion to European Politics ABC CLIO p 605 ISBN 978 0 313 39182 8 a b Nordsieck Wolfram 2017 Albania Parties and Elections in Europe a b Paul G Lewis 2000 Political Parties in Post Communist Eastern Europe Routledge pp 53 ISBN 978 0 415 20182 7 Retrieved 6 February 2013 Doder Dusko 20 January 1991 At Last Albanians Feel Winds of Change The Chicago Tribune Tirana Retrieved 5 July 2013 The Communist History Of Albania http thebalkanista com The Balkanista 25 February 2018 Communist Era Disappearances Still Haunt Albania https balkaninsight com Balkan Insight 15 March 2021 Albania Collapse of communism Britannica www britannica com Retrieved 24 November 2021 a b Vickers Miranda Pettifer James eds 2007 The Albanian Question I B Tauris doi 10 5040 9780755622610 ISBN 978 1 86064 974 5 Republic of Albania A Technical Assessment of the Election of the Peoples Assembly March 9 April 2 1992 IFES 30 April 1992 Albania timeline http news bbc co uk BBC United Kingdom 24 January 2012 Albanian Party Hails Ex Communist Defeat The New York Times Reuters 24 March 1992 Albania Table of Contents http countrystudies us countrystudies Albania GOVERNMENT Mongabay com Retrieved 8 May 2021 Parliamentary elections held on May 26th 1996 in Albania and the political crises they caused American Research Journals Retrieved 8 May 2021 a b Parliamentary elections held on May 26th 1996 in Albania and the political crises they caused PDF American Research Journal of History and Culture 6 1 1 9 ISSN 2379 2914 OBSERVATION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS HELD IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA MAY 26 and JUNE 2 1996 PDF Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Retrieved 8 May 2021 a b Parliamentary Chamber Kuvendi Popullor ELECTIONS HELD IN 1996 Inter Parliamentary Union Retrieved 8 May 2021 a b Hockstader Lee ALBANIAN DREAMS SHATTER IN PYRAMID SCHEMES FALL Washington Post Jarvis Christopher The Rise and Fall of Albania s Pyramid Schemes imf org IMF Skarda Erin 7 March 2012 Albanian Pyramid Schemes Time Albania 1997 Legislative Election binghamton edul The Center on Democratic Performance Binghamton University Human Rights Watch International Foundation for Election Systems Albania Voting procedures during the 1997 2000 and 2001 elections refworld org Canada Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Retrieved 8 May 2021 Topalli Jozefina On the political assassinations arrests and persecution of the opposition by the neo communist regime in Albania hartford hwp com Retrieved 8 May 2021 World Europe Violent protests at Albanian PM s office news bbc co uk BBC 13 September 1998 Election June 2001 www globalsecurity org GlobalSecurity org REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 24 June 19 August 2001 PDF www osce org Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights The Gerdec explosions trial ends with 19 convictions country eiu com Retrieved 7 June 2021 United States Concludes Clean Up Effort at Albanian Explosion Site U S Department of State Retrieved 7 June 2021 IPU PARLINE database ALBANIA Kuvendi ELECTIONS IN 2009 archive ipu org Retrieved 30 April 2022 Christo Van The 2009 Elections in Albania The Frosina Information Network Retrieved 30 April 2022 Press corner European Commission European Commission Retrieved 30 April 2022 Christo Van The 2009 Elections in Albania The Frosina Information Network Retrieved 30 April 2022 Basha Elected Head of Albania s Democrats Balkan Insight www balkaninsight com 23 July 2013 Retrieved 20 March 2017 Times Tirana 26 July 2013 Basha elected new Democratic Party leader Tirana Times Retrieved 20 March 2017 albania opposition party elects new leadership Basha Announces Thorough Reform of PD Exit Exit 11 December 2016 Retrieved 20 March 2017 Albanian protesters rally pitch tent to demand free elections Reuters 18 February 2017 Retrieved 25 June 2017 Albania Opposition Parties to Boycott June Elections Balkan Insight www balkaninsight com 11 April 2017 Retrieved 25 June 2017 Albanian anti govt protesters try to storm parliament The Washington Post The Washington Post 25 March 2019 Archived from the original on 25 March 2019 Retrieved 21 June 2022 Partia Demokratike Aleanca per Ndryshim 13 partite qe garojne bashke me demokratet me 25 Prill Ora News Retrieved 21 June 2022 Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve kqz gov al Retrieved 21 June 2022 jalvarado 11 May 2021 Albania April 2021 Parliamentary Election Report www ndi org Retrieved 21 June 2022 Public Designation of Albanian Sali Berisha Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption United States Department of State Retrieved 21 June 2022 Basha perjashton Berishen nga grupi parlamentar PD derisa te zbardhet ceshtja Non Grata Ora News Retrieved 21 June 2022 Kuvendi i thirrur nga Berisha shkarkon Bashen dhe Kryesine e PD Euronews Albania 11 December 2021 Retrieved 21 June 2022 2022 Albania House of Freedom vs Drug cartel www ifimes org Retrieved 21 June 2022 STATEMENT Tomorrow s Partial Local Elections extremely important for the prevalence of democratic values and principles in the future of the country KRIIK 6 March 2022 Retrieved 21 June 2022 Largohet nga drejtimi i PD Lulzim Basha REAGON Ambasada Amerikane dhe jep mesazhin e RENDESISHEM sot com al Retrieved 21 June 2022 Alibeaj gathers himself Berisha He has only the right that Rama gives him Immigrant vote warning politiko al Retrieved 21 June 2022 Belind Kellici shuan zerat se pas Evi Kokalarit qendron Berisha Shpifjet i perdori i pari Erion Veliaj Lapsi al in Albanian 17 June 2022 Retrieved 22 June 2022 Clashes between Democrats Belind Kellici sued for defamation comes the immediate reaction of Evi Kokalari sot com al Retrieved 22 June 2022 Thousands of Albanians Participate in Opposition Led Protest against Government Exit Explaining Albania 8 July 2022 Retrieved 8 July 2022 Anti government protests held in Albania www aa com tr Retrieved 8 July 2022 Tirana capital city of Albania www visitcapitalcity com www visitcapitalcity com 8 March 2020 a b c d The Albanian Electoral Systems since 1990 PDF Albanian Elections Observatory Brief Hellenic Foundation for European amp Foreign Policy 1 19 April 2013 Retrieved 2 July 2013 Bakke Elisabeth 18 February 2010 Central and East European party systems since 1989 Central and Southeast European Politics since 1989 Cambridge University Press pp 64 90 retrieved 30 January 2023 Berisha Reacts after Alibeaj s Withdrawal from Appeal ALBANIA DAILY NEWS Retrieved 23 January 2023 Perjashtimi i deputeteve Alibeaj ne realitet tjeter Une jam drejtuesi i PD Lapsi al in Albanian 12 January 2023 Retrieved 23 January 2023 Lufta e numrave ne PD Kush eshte me Berishen e kush me Alibeajn Emrat CNA 11 January 2023 Retrieved 23 January 2023 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Democratic Party of Albania amp oldid 1151591768, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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