Politics in Albania

Albania’s Political System: Structure and Key Figures (2025)

Government Structure

Albania operates as a Parliamentary Republic, grounded in the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution ensures the freedom to establish political parties that adhere to democratic principles, while prohibiting those promoting violence, hatred, or secretive agendas. The Albanian Armed Forces are tasked with safeguarding national independence and territorial integrity, remaining apolitical and under civilian oversight.​

Parliament

The Parliament of Albania (Kuvendi) comprises 140 members elected through a proportional representation system for four-year terms. The most recent parliamentary elections occurred on April 25, 2021, with the next scheduled for May 11, 2025 WikipediaWikipedia.​

Presidency

The President of the Republic serves as the head of state and symbolizes national unity. Presidents are elected by Parliament for five-year terms and may be re-elected once. In June 2022, Bajram Begaj, a non-partisan former military chief, was elected president with 78 votes in the fourth round of parliamentary voting, succeeding Ilir Meta Wikipedia.​

Major Political Parties in Albania

Socialist Party of Albania (PS)

• Ideology: Center-left, social-democratic

• Leader: Edi Rama (Prime Minister)

• 2021 Election Result: 48.67% of votes, 74 seats

• Strongholds: Southern and urban regions​

The PS has governed since 2013 and is affiliated with the Party of European Socialists.​

Democratic Party of Albania (PD)

• Ideology: Center-right, conservative

• Leader: Sali Berisha (as of 2023)

• 2021 Election Result: 39.43% of votes, 59 seats

• Strongholds: Northern and central Albania​

The PD, Albania’s first post-communist party, has faced internal divisions. In 2023, Berisha’s parliamentary immunity was lifted amid corruption investigations AP News.​

Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI)

• Ideology: Center-left, social-democratic

• Leader: Monika Kryemadhi

• 2021 Election Result: 6.81% of votes, 4 seats​AP News+4Wikipedia+4AP News+4

The LSI experienced a significant decline in the 2021 elections, losing 15 seats compared to 2017 .​Wikipedia

Recent Elections Overview

2021 Parliamentary Elections

• Date: April 25, 2021

• Turnout: 46.29%

• Results:

  • Socialist Party (PS): 74 seats

  • Democratic Party (PD): 59 seats

  • Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI): 4 seats

  • Social Democratic Party (PSD): 3 seats​Wikipedia

The PS secured a third consecutive term, while the PD made gains, and the LSI saw a significant decrease in representation .​

2022 Presidential Election

• Date: June 4, 2022

• Elected: Bajram Begaj (non-partisan)

• Votes: 78 out of 140 parliamentary votes​AP News+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3

Begaj’s election followed three unsuccessful voting rounds, highlighting political divisions within Parliament .​Wikipedia

2019 Local Elections

• Date: June 30, 2019

• Context: Boycotted by major opposition parties

• Outcome: Socialist Party won control of most municipalities​WikipediaAP News

The elections were marked by low turnout and opposition boycotts, leading to a PS-dominated local governance landscape.

Key Political Figures (2025)

• Edi Rama: Prime Minister and PS leader since 2013; former Mayor of Tirana (2000–2011).

• Bajram Begaj: President since July 2022; former Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces.

• Sali Berisha: PD leader; former Prime Minister (2005–2013) and President (1992–1997).

• Monika Kryemadhi: LSI leader; former First Lady during Ilir Meta’s presidency.

• Erion Veliaj: Mayor of Tirana since 2015; prominent PS figure and close ally of Edi Rama.