So much focus on unemployment, the economy, health care and education is unprecedented in Albanian campaigns.
TIRANA, Feb. 20 – Albania’s political parties have already started their electoral campaign, and in the early rounds it appears it will largely be fought on everyday issues affecting the lives of Albanians — economy, jobs and social services such as health care. In early gatherings taking place across Albania with supporters, political leaders are proposing an array of programs for the next four years as part of their platforms for the June 23 elections. While the government is detailing why it has been successful so far and what it will do in the next mandate, if it is re-elected, the opposition Socialist Party says the economy is ruins and social services such as healthcare in need for a major overhaul.
Analysts note that this focus on these particular topics — unemployment, the economy and health care system — is unprecedented in Albanian campaigns. But there is a typical element of Albanian politics even in this campaign.
The opposition sees everything as ruined and raises allegations of corruption in hospitals, while the government says Albania is reaching EU standards, pointing out to health infrastructure investment, building new hospitals and free services for the elderly and the unemployed.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha, responded to criticism by several opposition figures saying they were misinterpreting the real situation of unemployment, health care and treatment of senior citizens. He said while there is room for growth, the government’s work has been and will continue to be successful.
“The the impact of our reforms has been announced and has been extremely positive. In meetings I’m having now, I’m open to get thoughts, opinions, proposals, suggestions,and criticism for the Democratic Party as we set our [governing] program for four years to come,” Mr. Berisha said in a recent government meeting. His key rival, Socialist Party leader Edi Rama, visited several hospitals to talk to doctors and patients to explain the opposition’s platform for health care reform.
“Money has been invested without an overall national plan of the organization of the hospital system, without a professional judgment on the division of roles and responsibilities,” said Mr. Rama about investments in healthcare. He referred to his recent experience in a rural Albanian hospital, where he said the environment inside was so cold, “I froze,” he said.
Both Mr. Berisha and Mr. Rama say they are certain they will win the elections. Mr. Berisha says the opposition will lose again and DP reforms will continue. While Mr. Rama says he will rapidly change the situation for the better in Albania.
The electoral campaign doesn’t officially start for another two months, and Albanians don’t yet know the full list of candidates — which are chosen exclusively by the party leaders themselves and on which the voters or party members have no say.
The Socialists have already introduced several candidates for members of parliament, while its main leaders are holding large meetings with constituents, as well as a series of door-to-door with citizens.
The Democratic Party is also holding meetings with constituents in different formats.
