This meeting underscored the cooperation between the DP and the IRI to enhance the party’s operational and political strength. The dialogue highlighted IRI’s guidance on internal organization, voter engagement and modern political marketing.

Discussions centered on refining the Democratic Party’s (DP) communication strategy to build a clearer, more credible narrative for Albanian citizens. Meeting with DP leaders and MPs, Andrews explored foreign policy, ties with strategic partners and political developments in the United States, particularly regarding the Donald Trump administration. This exchange of ideas highlighted current political challenges, effective public outreach and the DP’s role as a modern, pro-Western alternative.

Meanwhile, Berisha also met with Italian MP and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President Eugenio Zoffili to discuss regional political developments and the OSCE’s role in protecting democracy.

The interlocutors highlighted the need for robust institutional independence across Albania and the Western Balkans, alongside closer cooperation among Europe’s center-right political forces. /j.p/p.s./

According to Bardhi, the International Republican Institute has played an important role in supporting our country in many issues, which aim to strengthen democracy and accountability.

“Gratitude for the years of engagement of the IRI in Albania and the support it has continuously provided for the processes within the Democratic Party”, wrote Bardhi. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

Most respondents expect more investigations and punishments of corrupt politicians, because corruption is one of their main concerns.

The latest poll found that 76% of Albanians trust the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), an independent judicial entity whose mission is to fight corruption. Fifty-one percent of Albanians say they are less likely to support a candidate or party in an election if they seek to limit the work of SPAK.

“With parliamentary elections coming up on May 11th, it is a positive sign that an overwhelming majority of Albanians want to see the fight against corruption continue,” said Paul McCarthy, Director of Europe for IRI. “Anti-corruption efforts will enhance transparency and accountability among elected officials and bolster the already strong belief that democracy is the best form of government.”/p.s./

Albanian Assembly announced that nine MPs and young people from the Advanced Leadership in Politics Institute in Albania took part in the discussion.

Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Youth Club Erisa Xhixho took stock of the Club’s activity and pledged to forward legal amendments directly impacting young people. She also voiced readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with IRI on any youth programme.

The session also highlighted importance of engaging young people in the decision-making process and their role in building stable democracy. Lawmakers and young people tabled their ideas to improve youth policies and create better education and employment opportunities.

John Fluharty, IRI Resident Program Director welcomed commitment of Albanian parliament members and pledged IRI support for various projects designed to empower young people in politics. He emphasised importance for open and continued dialogue between young people and political representatives.

The findings of the latest IRI survey on the Western Balkans were also released at today’s session. Presenting the findings, Fluharty stated that citizens need their representatives in Parliament to explain the political parties’ plans on employment and economy at both local and national level, saying that addressing these issues is key to enhancing public trust in democratic institutions.

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Specifically, about 67 percent of respondents said that the future will be better for them and their families.

While many countries in Europe are facing the growing dissatisfaction of citizens over the economy, Albanians still believe that things are going in the right direction.

In the meantime, the IRI survey for Albania emphasizes that the economy and corruption remain the main challenges as in any other country, but what stands out is the fact that Albanians still believe that their country is in the right direction./p.s./

Spiropali appreciated the activity of the IRI in Albania as well as the significant contribution they have made to the strengthening of democracy and good governance.

“I thanked him for the fruitful cooperation that this Institute has with the political parties, beyond all separation lines. New cooperation projects are ahead of us”, said Spiropali. /m.m/p.s./