Albanian Premier Vows EU Membership by 2030

(MENAFN) Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has reaffirmed his country's ambition to join the European Union by 2030. In a speech following his Socialist Party's sweeping win in the May 11 parliamentary elections, Rama outlined his goal to finalize EU membership talks by 2027, aiming for full membership within the next five years.

Rama also highlighted plans to make significant investments in Albania's tourism sector and emphasized that his party's victory represents a mandate for revitalizing the nation's military industry and advancing its agro-food sector.

Unofficial results from the Albanian Central Election Commission (KQZ) show the Socialist Party (PS) claimed 52.15% of the vote in the recent elections. The main opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), led by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, garnered 34.26%.

Other parties received the following: the Albania Is Happening Initiative, 3.51%; the Social Democratic Party (PSD), 3.38%; the Opportunity Party, 3.06%; the Joint Movement Party, 1.44%; and the Euro-Atlantic Coalition, 1.38%.

With these results, the PS secured 83 seats in the 140-member parliament, while the PD won 50 seats. The PSD, Opportunity Party, Joint Movement Party, and Albania Is Happening Initiative each claimed a small number of seats. Voter turnout was low, with only 42.21% of the 3.7 million registered voters participating.

This election marked Albania’s 11th general election since the fall of the communist regime in 1991. Rama, who has served as prime minister for three consecutive terms, will continue his leadership with a clear mandate for future reforms.

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