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58-571: Established in 1991, the Socialist Party of Albania emerged in the aftermath of the fall of communism in Albania that had dominated Albanian politics since the end of World War II . The dissolution of the People's Socialist Republic prompted a reevaluation of political ideologies and a quest for democratic governance, paving the way for the rise of multiple political entities. The roots of

116-610: A centre-right party that holds conservative and conservative liberal views. However, the party also has members that hold national conservative views. The Democrats support NATO and are pro-European , and support accession of Albania to the European Union . Originally Gazment Bardhi was on the side of Lulzim Basha as leader of the Democrats. However, on 4 September 2023 he ordered all Albanian democrat politicians and even opposition members who were elected on

174-463: A European Albania , which united several political parties. The alliance won the 2013 Albanian parliamentary election , thus returning the Socialists to the government after 8 years. The Socialist Party, now running alone, again won the 2017 election and the 2021 election , winning 74 seats in both of them and is thus currently able to rule Albania alone, although it is externally supported by

232-504: A few hundred people wanted to demolish Joseph Stalin 's statue, and from there they spread to a few other cities. Eventually, the existing regime introduced some liberalization, including measures in 1990 providing for freedom to travel abroad . Efforts were begun to improve ties with the outside world. Mikhail Gorbachev had adopted new policies of glasnost and perestroika in the Soviet Union in 1985. After Nicolae Ceauşescu ,

290-421: A general strike. A committee of "national salvation" took over but also collapsed within six months. Alia resigned as president and was succeeded by Berisha, the first democratically elected leader of Albania since Bishop Fan Noli . The change from communism to democracy evidently had many challenges. The Democratic Party had to implement the reforms it had promised, but they were either too slow or did not solve

348-481: 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. 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

406-536: A tough reform of the party. 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

464-580: Is final. At the onset of the session, the Re-establishment faction submitted a preliminary request to dismiss Alibeaj's appeal, arguing that they were not a legitimate party. The legal representative, Ivi Kaso, urged the enforcement of the "Zhukri" decision and the acknowledgment of the resolutions passed during the National Assembly of December 11, 2021, a position upheld by the court. Kaso stated, "The right of annulment belongs only to

522-640: The 1997 Albanian civil unrest 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. On 28 June 2009

580-672: The First Secretary of the Party of Labour, and gradually introduced economic reforms and opened diplomatic ties with Western European countries. During the revolutions of 1989 , many Albanians remained unaware of events because of state controlled information in the isolated country. Some Albanians did not know that the Berlin Wall had fallen in November 1989. In January 1990, the first revolts started in Shkodra , where

638-684: 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. It was unclear whether the Democratic party and its alliance had won 70 or 71. 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. After

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696-648: The Socialist International . A faction of the party, led by Ilir Meta , split away from the PS in 2004 and formed the Socialist Movement for Integration ( Lëvizja Socialiste për Integrim , LSI). On 10 October 2005, Nano resigned as the chairman of the PS after losing the 2005 Albanian parliamentary election , and was succeeded by Edi Rama . Under Rama's lead, the PS formed the Alliance for

754-592: The Soviet Union , started in December 1990 with student demonstrations in the capital, Tirana , although protests started in January that year in other cities like Shkodër and Kavajë . The Central Committee of the communist Party of Labour of Albania allowed political pluralism on 11 December and the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party , was founded the next day. March 1991 elections left

812-675: The Third Way approach of former British prime minister Tony Blair . The current logo is based on the fist and rose logo in the version created by José María Cruz Novillo for the Spanish Socialist Workers Party in 1977. The PS logo is used without official consent and agreement with PSOE. Fall of communism in Albania The fall of communism in Albania , the last such event in Europe outside

870-609: 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. 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

928-542: The Democratic Party Alliance for Change ( Partia Demokratike - Aleanca për Ndryshim). However this was not enough to deliver the Democratic Party a victory, it did however increase its seats in Parliament and the 2021 Albanian parliamentary election would be the third loss in a row for the Democratic Party. Following the election aftermath Sali Berisha had been declared Persona Non Grata by

986-423: 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. Four years after the second free and fair elections, new free and fair election in respect to

1044-524: The Democratic Party list to meet him on 5 September 2023, just one day before Lulzim Basha expelled 500 members for going against his leadership. 40 of the 59 elected showing up in person and 3 showing up to the meeting online. While one was pro for the unification was not able to be neither online or in person. Bardhi argued that this unification is needed. Stating that the party has seen too many failures now. Both Berisha and Bardhi agreed to settle their differences and united their groups. However, Lulzim Basha

1102-404: 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. 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

1160-527: The Democratic Party of Albania lost its elections to its opposition party, Socialist Party of Albania . 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. The Democratic Party of Albania

1218-417: The Democratic Party through their own will. Our message is clear: Democrats stand united and are pleased with the decision." "However, today marks a setback for the ruling regime, as united Democrats now have a singular mission: to dismantle this narco-regime and restore hope to Albanians. The era of a divided opposition has ended, giving way to a united front. Today, Albania has a resolute Democratic Party and

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1276-615: The Democratic Party. 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 . Following

1334-625: The Party of Labour in power, but a general strike and urban opposition led to the formation of a "stability government" that included non-communists. Albania's former communists were routed in elections in March 1992 amid economic collapse and social unrest, with the Democratic Party winning most seats and its party head, Sali Berisha , becoming president. Enver Hoxha , who ruled the Socialist People's Republic of Albania for four decades, died on 11 April 1985. Ramiz Alia succeeded Hoxha as

1392-464: The Ponzi-Schemes crisis, held on 29 June 1997. 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. The fact that these Ponzi-Schemes were endorsed by

1450-571: The Social Democratic Party in parliament. In its 2013 party platform, the party has pledged to replace the flat tax with a progressive tax , and also supports universal health care . Party leader Edi Rama has indicated that he supports LGBT rights in Albania . The party is also pro-European , supports the accession of Albania to the European Union , NATO membership, and considers Kosovo "Albania's main strategic partner and ally". Rama has also said that he strives to follow

1508-456: The Socialist Party can be traced back to the Party of Labour of Albania under its founder Enver Hoxha , which had been the ruling party for over four decades. Hoxha's successor Ramiz Alia was forced to introduce limited reforms in the late 1980s. On 11 December 1990, Alia announced that the PPSh had given up its monopoly of power. The PPSh won the 1991 Albanian Constitutional Assembly election ,

1566-594: The United States. Which resulted in Lulzim Basha expelling Berisha from the parliamentary group 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

1624-617: 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. On 7 July 2022 a big protest was held in Tirana in front of the Prime Minster's Office, Sali Berisha as de facto Chairman of the party had called it weeks before. The protest

1682-540: The communist leader of Romania , was executed during the Romanian Revolution of 1989 , Alia knew that he might be next if radical changes were not made. He then signed the Helsinki Agreement which then forced conformity to Western European human rights standards. Alia also organized a meeting with leading intellectuals of the time on ways to reform the Albanian political system. Under Alia,

1740-489: The decisions made during the Assembly held on December 11, as convened by the Re-establishment faction. This decision establishes that the chairman of the official Democratic Party is former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who is currently under the security measure of "House Arrest" following investigations initiated by SPAK . The Appellate panel's decision was rendered by Judges Alma Ahmeti, Iliba Bezati, and Elona Toro, and

1798-409: 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. On 30 September 2014, a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership and to announce

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1856-530: 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. 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

1914-547: The end of communism, the country became more aligned towards the West than its, albeit unenthused, relations with Russia or China . Albania joined NATO in 2009 and is aiming to join the European Union in the future. Democratic Party of Albania The Democratic Party of Albania ( Albanian : Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë , PD or PDSH ) is a conservative political party in Albania . It has been

1972-408: The first free elections held in the country in almost 80 years. By this time, it was no longer a Marxist–Leninist party. At an extraordinary congress on 10–13 June 1991, the PPSh voted to change its name to the PS in an effort to survive in the new system. Fatos Nano , a man from the intelligentsia , was elected the new chairman. Nano helped to reform the old Communist party and made it a member of

2030-437: The first pluralist elections took place since the communists took power in Albania in 1944. Alia's party won the election of 31 March 1991. Nevertheless, it was clear that the transition to democracy would not be stopped. Many leading members of the newly formed Democratic Party wore light trench coats during demonstrations, while Sali Berisha , then still a Party of Labour member, was heard thanking Ramiz Alia when addressing

2088-414: 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. As a result of these elections

2146-451: The government to fall after the collapse of a number of large " pyramid schemes " (more accurately, Ponzi schemes ) and widespread corruption in Albania , which caused disorder and rebellion throughout the country. The government attempted to suppress the revolt by force but the attempt failed, due to low morale and corruption in the military of Albania . With the help of international mediation led by OSCE special envoy Franz Vranitzky ,

2204-565: The international election observers were limited in numbers. 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. Sali Berisha and Aleksandër Meksi respectively remained President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania , until new parliamentary election were called due to

2262-562: The largest opposition party in the country since 2013. 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, it is an associate member of the European People's Party and a full member of International Democrat Union . The Democratic Party

2320-420: The nation's problems, resulting in people disappointed when their hopes for fast prosperity went unfulfilled. Many Albanians were also frustrated by Sali Berisha's growing authoritarianism, including pressure on the opposition, media and civil society. In the general elections of June 1996, the Democratic Party tried to win an absolute majority and manipulated the results. The 1997 Albanian civil unrest caused

2378-418: 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. 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

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2436-498: 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

2494-534: The next elections that were due on the date provided were held. The elections were won by the Democratic Party with its electoral alliance. 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

2552-496: The parliamentary elections of 22 March 1992, 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. 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

2610-476: The party leaders to a two-year term, and the full democratisation of the internal election process. 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

2668-493: The party that initiated the legal proceedings." Reacting to the media at the conclusion of the Appeal session, Flamur Noka expressed that truth prevailed and urged all Democrats to unite within the Democratic Party. "Today is a momentous day for all Democrats. Despite facing injustice, honorable judges have emerged to uphold the truth that had been obscured for three years. The truth is that Democrats determine all matters concerning

2726-564: The ruling and opposition parties agreed to form a Reconciliation Government and to hold new elections. To secure calm and to prevent an outward refugee flow, nine states contributed military forces to an international force called Operation Alba . The 1997 Albanian parliamentary elections in June brought the opposition Socialist Party (former communist party) to power, and it ruled under various prime ministers until 2005. The Democratic Party won parliamentary elections in 2005 and 2009, and Albania

2784-453: The students protests, and was seen driving around Skanderbeg Square with a government vehicle. Meanwhile, a student demonstration was crushed by the state police in Tirana's Student City dormitories. Ramiz Alia invited a delegation of University of Tirana students to discuss their concerns and come up with a compromise. The communists managed to retain control of the government in the first round of elections, but fell two months later during

2842-441: 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 beliefs, 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. During these elections

2900-615: 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. Which resulted in the Democratic Party coming in second place in results. The Democratic party would ultimately win in the next Election . The Democratic Party of Albania won

2958-417: 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. 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

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3016-527: Was against this unified opposition. The Court of Appeal decided not to accept Enkelejd Alibeaj's complaint about the seal and leadership of the Democratic Party, thus affirming the official Democratic Party's emblem and logo as belonging to Sali Berisha. By rejecting Alibeaj's appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the First Instance, presided over by Judge Agron Zhukri, which recognized

3074-559: 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. On 17 May 2023 Enkelejd Alibeaj resigned from every post of the Democratic Party of Albania. Gazment Bardhi would succeed Alibeaj which would continue the party split. On 24 May 2023 Lulzim Basha would make an appearance claiming he

3132-463: Was created as an anti-communist movement. 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. 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

3190-405: Was founded on 12 December 1990 with major involvement from Avdyl Matoshi , Azem Hajdari , Sali Berisha and Gramoz Pashko , 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. The party

3248-440: Was governed again by Sali Berisha, this time as prime minister. The Socialist Party won the elections in 2013, and is governed by its party head and Prime Minister Edi Rama . According to the constitution, approved by referendum on 22 November 1998, promulgated on 28 November 1998, and amended in January 2007, Albania has a democratic system of government with separation of powers and protection of fundamental human rights. Since

3306-426: 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 . 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

3364-487: Was the leader of the Democrats again succeeding Bardhi who served as interim. The party's headquarters are located in Tirana , capital city of Albania , 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. The Democratic party of Albania is considered to be

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