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Heute wählen die Menschen in Albanien ein neues Parlament. Ministerpräsident Rama strebt eine vierte Amtszeit an. Seine Macht hat er kontinuierlich ausgebaut - und die Opposition spielt ihm in die Hände.
140 Sitze gibt es in der "Kuvendi i Shqiperise", der Versammlung Albaniens, zu gewinnen.Und die Chancen, dass Edi Rama mit seiner Sozialistischen Partei die parlamentsmehrheit holt, sind hoch. Es wäre das vierte Mal in Folge. Es treten zwar elf Parteien zur Wahl an, aber die wenigsten dürften es über die 2,5-Prozent-Hürde schaffen.
Albanien wird seit Jahrzehnten faktisch von zwei großen Parteien dominiert, Sozialisten und Demokraten, erklärt der Osteuropa-Historiker Oliver Jens Schmitt: "Besser organisiert ist die post-kommunistische, die sich sozialistisch nennt. Während die Opposition seit etlichen Jahren außerordentlich schwach ist."
Weitgehende Kontrolle
Table of Contents
- Weitgehende Kontrolle
- Enge Verbindungen von Medien und Bausektor
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Bilder:** Der Bildunterschrift wurde beibehalten. Die Bildinformationen selbst (Quelle, etc.) sind verloren gegangen, da sie in den HTML-Attributen des Tags gespeichert waren, die ich entfernt habe.Dieses Markdown sollte den Textinhalt des Artikels gut wiedergeben. Albania Elections: Is Edi Rama's Grip on Power Too Tight? An Expert Weighs In
Das liegt einerseits an Oppositionsführer Sali Berisha, Albaniens ehemaligem Premier, der inzwischen 80 Jahre alt ist. Ihm werden Korruption und Vetternwirtschaft vorgeworfen. Seine Demokraten machen Fundamental-Opposition, haben auf lokaler ebene auch schon Wahlen boykottiert.
Das hat unter anderem dazu geführt, dass sich die Sozialisten von Rama auf allen Ebenen des Landes gut ausbreiten konnten. "Mit seiner Partei ist es ihm gelungen, seit 2013 Machtstrukturen im Land aufzubauen, die ihm eine weitgehende Kontrolle garantieren", sagt Schmitt.
Enge Verbindungen von Medien und Bausektor
Rama kontrolliert nicht nur viele Kommunen im Land, auch das Mediensystem ist mittlerweile auf die Regierung zugeschnitten. So beschreibt es Aleksander Cipa, Vorsitzender der Gewerkschaft der Journalisten in Albanien:
Der einflussreichste Teil dieser medienszene wird von der Autorität der Regierung beeinflusst und kontrolliert, insbesondere von der Autorität des Premierministers selbst.
In öffentlich-rechtlichen Sendern seien viele Führungsposten parteinah besetzt.Große private Sender gehören hingegen oft regierungsnahen Bauunternehmern, die durch Ausschreibungen und öffentliche Bauprojekte eng mit der Regierung verbandelt sind.
Denn auch im boomenden Bausektor mischt die Regierung ordentlich mit. In der Hauptstadt Tirana sind in den vergangenen Jahren zahlreiche avantgardistische Hochhäuser entstanden, an der Adria-Küste schießen Hotels wie Pilze aus dem Boden.
Die Entscheidung für oder gegen ein bestimmtes Bauprojekt treffe der Premierminister oft höchstpersönlich, so der albanische Politologe Afrim Krasniqi: "Wir haben oft erlebt, dass er entschieden hat, wer der Architekt eines neuen Gebäudes in Tirana sein soll. Nach albanischem Recht hat er diese Macht nicht." Doch Rama nimmt sie sich.
Auf europäischer Ebene gibt sich Albaniens Ministerpräsident Edi Rama stehts weltoffen und liberal. Das Interesse an den innenpolitischen Verhältnissen in seinem Land scheint eher gering.wichtige Hinweise:
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Target Keywords: Albania elections, Edi Rama, Albanian Politics, Corruption, Media Control, Construction Boom, Albanian Democracy
Time.news: The people of Albania are heading to the polls today to elect a new parliament. prime Minister Edi Rama is vying for a fourth term, having steadily consolidated power. is this a testament to his leadership or a sign of something more concerning? we spoke with Dr. Elara Vance, a political science professor specializing in Southeastern European affairs, to get her insights.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thanks for joining us. The article points out that Rama’s Socialist Party has a strong chance of securing a parliamentary majority for the fourth consecutive time. Why is the opposition seemingly so weak?
Dr. Elara Vance: The weakness of the Albanian opposition is a complex issue with deep roots. As the article mentions, the opposition, historically dominated by figures like sali Berisha, has been plagued by internal divisions, accusations of corruption, and even boycotts of local elections. This has created a vacuum, allowing Rama’s party to expand its influence across all levels of government. The lack of a unified and credible alternative considerably advantages the incumbent.
Time.news: The article highlights concerns about Rama’s control, extending beyond the political sphere to include the media and the booming construction sector. How does this impact the integrity of Albanian democracy?
Dr. Elara Vance: These are very serious concerns. When the media, particularly influential outlets, are susceptible to government pressure or owned by individuals with close ties to the ruling party, it becomes difficult for citizens to access unbiased data.This can skew public opinion and hinder accountability. Similarly, the concentration of power in construction projects by the Prime Minister, as described in the article, raises red flags about potential corruption and lack of transparency. It suggests a system where decisions are not based solely on merit or legal procedure, undermining fair competition and possibly diverting resources.
Time.news: The article quotes Aleksander Cipa, head of the Union of Journalists in Albania, describing the media landscape as being influenced and controlled by the government, “especially by the authority of the Prime Minister himself.” Is this a common trend in the region, and what are the implications for journalists?
Dr. Elara Vance: Unluckily, media capture is a recurring challenge in many post-communist countries in Southeastern Europe.Journalists often face intimidation, censorship, and economic pressures that make it difficult to report objectively.This creates a chilling effect, forcing journalists to self-censor or leave the profession altogether.For Albanian journalists in particular, this makes investigative reporting, which is crucial for holding power accountable, extremely challenging.
Time.news: Talking about the construction boom, Politologe Afrim Krasniqi claims the Prime Minister often personally decides between construction projects and architects.Is this a sign of corruption, even if it isn’t strictly illegal according to Albanian law?
Dr.Elara Vance: even if these actions fall into some kind of grey areas of the Albanian law, a leader’s personal involvement in the selection of architects and specific construction projects outside established protocols hints at possible cronyism and potential for corruption. It suggests a system lacking transparency and competition, where decisions are made based on personal connections rather than open, fair processes. It undermines public trust and can lead to suboptimal outcomes for the country’s infrastructure.
Time.news: Prime Minister rama maintains a largely positive image on the European stage. Is there a disconnect between his international persona and the situation on the ground in Albania?
Dr. Elara Vance: Yes, there can frequently enough be a disconnect between a leader’s international image and the domestic realities of their country. For Edi Rama, projecting an image of reform and progress is crucial for securing international support and advancing Albania’s EU accession aspirations.However, as the article suggests, a closer examination of the internal political dynamics raises legitimate questions about the strength of democratic institutions and the rule of law. International observers must look beyond the surface and hold the Albanian government accountable for upholding democratic principles in practise.
Time.news: What does this mean for the future of Albania? Is there hope for real change or are things unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future?
Dr. elara vance: The situation is concerning, but not without hope. Civil society organizations, self-reliant journalists, and engaged citizens play a crucial role in advocating for reforms and holding the government accountable. Increasing public awareness of governance issues,promoting media literacy,and fostering a culture of transparency are essential steps. Moreover, international partners can use their leverage to pressure the Albanian government to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and protect media freedom. The future of Albania hinges on the ability of these actors to effectively challenge entrenched power structures and advocate for a more just and democratic society.
Bilder:** Der Bildunterschrift wurde beibehalten. Die Bildinformationen selbst (Quelle, etc.) sind verloren gegangen, da sie in den HTML-Attributen des
![]()
Target Keywords: Albania elections, Edi Rama, Albanian Politics, Corruption, Media Control, Construction Boom, Albanian Democracy
Time.news: The people of Albania are heading to the polls today to elect a new parliament. prime Minister Edi Rama is vying for a fourth term, having steadily consolidated power. is this a testament to his leadership or a sign of something more concerning? we spoke with Dr. Elara Vance, a political science professor specializing in Southeastern European affairs, to get her insights.
Time.news: Dr. Vance, thanks for joining us. The article points out that Rama’s Socialist Party has a strong chance of securing a parliamentary majority for the fourth consecutive time. Why is the opposition seemingly so weak?
Dr. Elara Vance: The weakness of the Albanian opposition is a complex issue with deep roots. As the article mentions, the opposition, historically dominated by figures like sali Berisha, has been plagued by internal divisions, accusations of corruption, and even boycotts of local elections. This has created a vacuum, allowing Rama’s party to expand its influence across all levels of government. The lack of a unified and credible alternative considerably advantages the incumbent.
Time.news: The article highlights concerns about Rama’s control, extending beyond the political sphere to include the media and the booming construction sector. How does this impact the integrity of Albanian democracy?
Dr. Elara Vance: These are very serious concerns. When the media, particularly influential outlets, are susceptible to government pressure or owned by individuals with close ties to the ruling party, it becomes difficult for citizens to access unbiased data.This can skew public opinion and hinder accountability. Similarly, the concentration of power in construction projects by the Prime Minister, as described in the article, raises red flags about potential corruption and lack of transparency. It suggests a system where decisions are not based solely on merit or legal procedure, undermining fair competition and possibly diverting resources.
Time.news: The article quotes Aleksander Cipa, head of the Union of Journalists in Albania, describing the media landscape as being influenced and controlled by the government, “especially by the authority of the Prime Minister himself.” Is this a common trend in the region, and what are the implications for journalists?
Dr. Elara Vance: Unluckily, media capture is a recurring challenge in many post-communist countries in Southeastern Europe.Journalists often face intimidation, censorship, and economic pressures that make it difficult to report objectively.This creates a chilling effect, forcing journalists to self-censor or leave the profession altogether.For Albanian journalists in particular, this makes investigative reporting, which is crucial for holding power accountable, extremely challenging.
Time.news: Talking about the construction boom, Politologe Afrim Krasniqi claims the Prime Minister often personally decides between construction projects and architects.Is this a sign of corruption, even if it isn’t strictly illegal according to Albanian law?
Dr.Elara Vance: even if these actions fall into some kind of grey areas of the Albanian law, a leader’s personal involvement in the selection of architects and specific construction projects outside established protocols hints at possible cronyism and potential for corruption. It suggests a system lacking transparency and competition, where decisions are made based on personal connections rather than open, fair processes. It undermines public trust and can lead to suboptimal outcomes for the country’s infrastructure.
Time.news: Prime Minister rama maintains a largely positive image on the European stage. Is there a disconnect between his international persona and the situation on the ground in Albania?
Dr. Elara Vance: Yes, there can frequently enough be a disconnect between a leader’s international image and the domestic realities of their country. For Edi Rama, projecting an image of reform and progress is crucial for securing international support and advancing Albania’s EU accession aspirations.However, as the article suggests, a closer examination of the internal political dynamics raises legitimate questions about the strength of democratic institutions and the rule of law. International observers must look beyond the surface and hold the Albanian government accountable for upholding democratic principles in practise.
Time.news: What does this mean for the future of Albania? Is there hope for real change or are things unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future?
Dr. elara vance: The situation is concerning, but not without hope. Civil society organizations, self-reliant journalists, and engaged citizens play a crucial role in advocating for reforms and holding the government accountable. Increasing public awareness of governance issues,promoting media literacy,and fostering a culture of transparency are essential steps. Moreover, international partners can use their leverage to pressure the Albanian government to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and protect media freedom. The future of Albania hinges on the ability of these actors to effectively challenge entrenched power structures and advocate for a more just and democratic society.
