Partisan divide
August 4, 2011
Germany's Development Minister Dirk Niebel is set to arrive in Albania on Thursday in a bid to break the deep political stalemate that has prevented this small southeastern European nation from jumpstarting its stagnant economy.
Although Albania emerged from one of Europe's most repressive communist dictatorships two decades ago, the nation's main political blocs pay lip service to democracy while practicing a winner-take-all attitude that often places the rule of law in question.
Since the last general elections two years go, the government and opposition have exchanged accusations of electoral fraud. The political debate became so volatile that it erupted in violence in January.
"The majority is determined to make sure that the vote of every Albanian citizen is counted," said Prime Minister Sali Berisha, head of the ruling Democratic Party and the former doctor of Albania's last dictator, Enver Hodsha.
But the leader of the socialist opposition, Edi Rama, continues to question the legitimacy of the political establishment.
"Albania needs our example and our strength," Rama said. "We say 'no' to social suffering, injustice and fraud."
Frustrated youth
As a consequence of the stalemate, lawmakers in the capital, Tirana, have proven unable to implement new policies to address the grievances of an increasingly frustrated young population, many of whom dream of moving abroad in search of a better life.
The economic situation deteriorated after the violence at the beginning of the year. Many foreign investors left Albania for fear of instability. Official unemployment is currently at 13 percent, but unofficially it may be as high as 30 percent.
The EU, meanwhile, continues to unsuccessfully call on Tirana to bridge the partisan divide and find solutions that will lead to economic growth.
Author: Andreas Meyer-Feist, Tirana / slk
Editor: Andreas Illmer