63-582: Lulzim Basha ( listen ; born 12 June 1974) is an Albanian lawyer and politician who served as chairman of the Democratic Party of Albania and as the Leader of the Opposition from 2013 to 2022 and again from 2023 until 2024. He was the candidate of the Democratic Party in the 2017 Albanian parliamentary election and in the 2021 Albanian parliamentary election where he lost in both by
126-610: 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
189-471: 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 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
252-487: 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 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
315-569: A length of 1.8 km. The project was expected to be finished before Basha's first mandate as mayor, but after the 2013 parliamentary election , the new Rama Government cut off most of the funds. Basha didn't run for a second mandate in the 2015 local elections , which were won by the Socialist Party candidate Erion Veliaj. After the defeat of the Democratic Party-led coalition in the 2013 parliamentary election and
378-527: A number of measures, primarily with a focus on the road network and, to a smaller degree, on sustainable modes of transport. A tramway system in addition to the bus system was proposed and the plan also included the building of a new boulevard in the northern part of the city and the rehabilitation of the Lanë . The earlier plan for the Skanderbeg Square was scrapped and a new one introduced. The use of
441-475: 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 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
504-667: A unified opposition that will amplify the voice of the people," concluded Noka. 2013 Albanian parliamentary election Parliamentary elections were held in Albania on 23 June 2013. The result was a victory for the Alliance for a European Albania led by the Socialist Party and its leader, Edi Rama . Incumbent Prime Minister Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party -led Alliance for Employment, Prosperity and Integration conceded defeat on 26 June. The previous parliamentary elections were held on 28 June 2009 and resulted in
567-468: A victory for the Democratic Party of Albania -led Alliance of Change, which received 46.92 of the vote, winning 70 of the 140 seats. The opposition Union for Change headed by Edi Rama of the Socialist Party received almost 45.34% of the vote and won the other 66 seats. The Democratic Party led by Sali Berisha formed the government with Berisha as Prime Minister . The 140 members of Parliament were elected in twelve multi-member constituencies based on
630-580: 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
693-456: 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
SECTION 10
#1732791612933756-622: 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 the Democratic Party Alliance for Change ( Partia Demokratike - Aleanca për Ndryshim). However this
819-460: 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 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
882-481: 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 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
945-554: 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. 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
1008-584: 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 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
1071-542: 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
1134-484: The Democratic Party and other opposition parties, under the leadership of Lulzim 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 18 June general election, until
1197-524: 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
1260-417: 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
1323-657: 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 the PDIU , a party representing the interest of Cham Albanians whose properties in Greece were seized after
SECTION 20
#17327916129331386-601: 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 the defeat in the 2013 parliamentary election , Berisha announced his resignation as party leader. A one-member-one-vote election
1449-541: The United States' decision in Public Designation of Sali Berisha . Lulzim Basha made the decision to expel Berisha from the party. This caused a major split in the party and made Basha unpopular, with many members choosing to side with Berisha and leaving the party. On 11 December 2021 Sali Berisha held an informal congress that voted in favor to remove Lulzim Basha as leader of the party; this, however,
1512-564: 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
1575-500: The charges. 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 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
1638-558: The country's largest public work. In connection to this, in October 2007, the Prosecutor's Office accused him of abuse of power and breaking tender rules and claimed these irregularities cost Albanians more than €230 million. Basha asked for his parliamentary immunity to be lifted in order for the justice to conduct a full investigation. Basha's immunity was lifted by parliament at the end of December 2017.The high court later on dismissed
1701-489: 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
1764-409: 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 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
1827-410: 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. In
1890-665: The former Yugoslavia as member of the investigation team of war crimes of Serbian forces in Kosovo (1998–1999). In 2000, Basha joined the Department of Justice of the UN administration of Kosovo , UNMIK , first as legal advisor and then as deputy chief of cabinet of the director of the UNMIK Justice Department since October 2001. From November 2002 until January 2005 Basha served as special advisor for transition in
1953-404: 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 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
Lulzim Basha - Misplaced Pages Continue
2016-476: 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. On 18 February 2017 members of
2079-421: 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. On 18 February 2017 members of
2142-579: The government as corrupt and criminalised. In 2015 the Democratic Party proposed a Decriminalisation Law, which led to several months of negotiations with the government. Finally in December 2015, the law was passed by majority in the Parliament, barring people with criminal convictions from holding public office. On 11 December 2016 during the celebrations for the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party, party leader Lulzim Basha announced his program for
2205-580: 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 the Democratic Party (PD), the Socialist Movement for Integration , the Party for Justice, Integration and Unity ,
2268-452: The government will accept their conditions to secure a free and democratic election. Following the aftermath of the Democratic Party's defeat in 2021. Which was considered Basha's fourth defeat in Albanian elections. Much debating between the party began after the election. Many wanted Basha to resign and elect a new leader of the Democratic Party. With dismay of some members Basha was reelected against his challenger Agron Shehaj . Following
2331-500: 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 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
2394-633: The incumbent prime minister Edi Rama . Lulzim Basha was born in Tirana on 12 June 1974 to a Kosovo-Albanian mother and an Albanian father. From his mother's side, he is respectively from Mitrovica (grandfather) and Gjilan (grandmother). After attending the Sami Frashëri High School, he studied law at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for
2457-623: 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 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
2520-580: 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 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
2583-484: The modernisation of the Albanian border and immigration police system, the issuing of high security biometric passports and a tougher fight against criminal activity and criminal assets. These steps won international praise, notably by EUROPOL and other law enforcement bodies, and led to the decision of the EU on 8 November 2010 to lift all travel visa requirements for Albanian citizens effective 15 December 2010. In 2011 Basha
Lulzim Basha - Misplaced Pages Continue
2646-409: 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 the next elections that were due on the date provided were held. The elections were won by
2709-826: 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 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
2772-472: 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 beliefs, mainly left-wing philosophies, conform democratic standards, and its name to
2835-493: 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
2898-452: The resignation of Sali Berisha as party leader, Basha was elected as chairman of the Democratic Party on 22 July 2013, following the first one-member-one-vote election in party's history. On 30 September 2014, a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership. In the congress a tough reform of the party was announced by Basha. During his leadership numerous anti-government demonstrations have been held, accusing
2961-544: The same department. Lulzim Basha is married to Aurela Basha a Dutch citizen, and they have two daughters, Victoria and Dafina. Basha joined the Democratic Party of Albania in January 2005 and became a member of the party's leadership in May of that year. He has since held several ministerial positions in Democratic Party-led governments. He served as the party's spokesperson during the 2005 parliamentary elections at which he
3024-420: 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 the Democratic Party and its leader was tasked with executing reforms to turn the country from a communist style everything in
3087-487: The square by all motor vehicles will be restored through the construction of a narrower road segment around the center of the square including bicycle lanes. The existing green field south of Skanderbeg's statue was extended northward for a few hundred meters, while trees were planted in most places. In May 2013 the City Hall launched an international tender for the construction of the capital's new northern boulevard, with
3150-510: The twelve counties using closed list proportional representation with an electoral threshold of 3% for parties and 5% for alliances. Seats were allocated to alliances using the d'Hondt method , then to political parties using the Sainte-Laguë method . Prior to the election two major coalitions were formed, whilst four parties and two independent candidates ran alone. In total there were 66 parties. The Central Election Commission
3213-652: Was a form of taxation which had been applied by Berisha's government between 2005 and 2013. In June 2017, Basha met with President Donald Trump during a visit to the US as part of participation in White House Workforce Development week. As the Minister of Transportation and Public Works from 2005 to 2007, Basha was responsible for the construction of the Durrës-Kukës highway to Kosovo ,
SECTION 50
#17327916129333276-527: 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
3339-559: 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
3402-715: Was criticised for not replacing three of the seven member committee who had resigned in April following a dispute between the government and the opposition. On election day, a shootout occurred in Laç resulting in the death of the LSI activist Gjon Pjeter Gjoni and injuring the PD candidate Mhill Fufi. Early on election day both Sali Berisha and Edi Rama claimed victory. On 25 June, Edi Rama gave his victory speech saying, "I will be your prime minister, but also your prime servant. The duty will be mine;
3465-536: Was elected as the MP of Constituency #33 in Tirana. He was then nominated in the Berisha government as Minister of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications, where he served for two years. After the 2009 election , Basha was nominated as Ministry of Internal Affairs in the new Berisha government. As Minister of Interior, he implemented all the required criteria for visa-free travel to the Schengen countries, including
3528-406: 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 a tough reform of the party. On the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party, party leader Basha announced his program for
3591-403: 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 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
3654-599: 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 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 ,
3717-420: Was not recognised by the party, with Basha declaring it illegitimate and non-binding. On 21 March 2022 Lulzim Basha would resign as leader of the Democratic Party of Albania. Which in result caused Enkelejd Alibeaj to become leader of the Democratic Party of Albania. On 30 July 2023 Basha was reelected controversially as leader of the Democratic Party. Prior to the election, Gazment Bardhi claimed that Basha
3780-414: Was the development of the new strategic urban plan, to increase investments and employment and solve the traffic problems in the city centre. A draft was presented in May 2012 and it was considered as very important for the future economic development of the city. It was one of the first successes of Basha as mayor of Tirana, but the plan was opposed by the opposition. The new Urban Development Plan proposed
3843-496: Was the governing party's candidate for the post of mayor of Tirana. He defeated the leader of the Socialist opposition, Edi Rama , by a very narrow margin (only 81 votes after the recount) in a hotly contested election . During his term as mayor, Basha vowed to lead big reforms in his first hundred days in office, while promising to make the municipality more accessible to citizens and free of political conflicts. His main focus
SECTION 60
#17327916129333906-487: 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
3969-483: Was trying to seize exclusive power in the party. On June 11th, 2024 the Court of Appeals voted against Lulzim Basha's claim on the logo and signature of the Democratic Party, giving it to the Reestablishment Group led by Sali Berisha. Basha is a strong supporter of Albania joining the EU. During the 2017 Albanian parliamentary election he proposed reinstating the flat tax at a 9% rate. The flat tax
#932067