Albania’s crisis – the way out

By David L. Phillips   Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama threatened to fire President Ilir Meta for postponing local elections. Meta is justifiably concerned that a ballot in today’s volatile climate could cause violence and further undermine Albania’s EU candidacy. Moreover, Meta was exercising his legal authority pursuant to article 92 of the constitution, which empowers the President with the authority to determine the date of elections for parliament and local government. Rather than brinkmanship, Albania needs dialogue and a transition plan to strengthen democracy. What motivates Edi Rama? Rama’s attack on Meta has little to do with the electoral…