View source for Democratic Party of Albania

{{Short description|Albanian political party}}
{{Distinguish|Democratic Alliance Party (Albania)|New Democratic Party (Albania)|}}
{{For|the party in North Macedonia|Democratic Party of Albanians}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox political party
| name             = Democratic Party of Albania
| native_name      = Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë
| abbreviation     = PD<ref name="CSIS"/>
| logo             = [[File:Logo - Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë - Rithemelimi.svg|150px]]
| caption          = Logo of the Democratic Party of Albania since December 2021.
| flag             = [[File:Flag of the Democratic Party of Albania.svg|150px]]
| logo_size        = 150px
| colorcode        = {{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}
| chairman         = [[Sali Berisha]]
| leader1_title    = [[Assembly of the Republic of Albania|Leader of the Parliamentary Group]]
| leader1_name     = [[Gazment Bardhi]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Pas dorëheqjes së Alibeaj reagon Gazment Bardhi |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/basha-unveils-three-proposals-in-meeting-with-tirana-youth-1 |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=Albania Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>
| leader2_title    = General Secretary
| leader2_name     = [[Flamur Noka]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flamur Noka is elected General Secretary of the Democratic Party |url=https://politiko.al/english/ditari-i-opozites/flamur-noka-zgjidhet-sekretar-i-pergjithshem-i-pd-i461157 |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=politiko.al}}</ref>
| slogan           = Opozita në AksiON <br/>
(The Opposition in Action)
| founded          = 12 December 1990<ref>Robert Elsie (2010) ''Historical Dictionary of Albania'', Scarecrow Press, pxliii</ref>
| position         = [[Centre-right politics|Centre-right]]
| headquarters     = Bulevardi Zhan D'Ark 11, 1001 [[Tirana, Albania]]
| newspaper        = ''[[Rilindja Demokratike]]''
| youth_wing       = [[Forumi Rinor i Partisë Demokratike|Youth Forum of the Democratic Party of Albania]]
| student_wing     = Democratic University Youth Group
| membership_year  = 2023
| membership       = 44,000 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telegrafi.com/berisha-nga-selia-e-pd-se-rreth-44-mije-demokrate-duan-largimin-e-bashes/|title=Berisha nga selia e PD-së: Rreth 44 mijë demokratë duan largimin e Bashës - Telegrafi|first=Nazmi|last=Elezi|date=18 December 2021}}</ref>
| ideology         = {{ubl|class=nowrap|
 |[[Conservatism]]
 |[[Liberal conservatism]]
|[[National conservatism]]
|[[Conservative Liberalism]]
 |[[Pro-Europeanism]]
}}
| religion         = 
| national         = [[Together We Win]]
| international    = {{Nowrap|[[Centrist Democrat International]]<br>[[International Democracy Union]]}}
| european         = [[European People's Party]] (associate)<ref name="EPP">{{cite web|url=https://www.epp.eu/parties-and-partners/|title=Parties and Partners|publisher=European People's Party}}</ref>
| europarl         = 
| affiliation1_title = 
| affiliation1     = 
| colors           = 
| seats1_title     = [[Assembly of the Republic of Albania|National Assembly]]
| seats1           = {{Composition bar|46|140|{{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}}
| seats2_title     = [[Municipalities of Albania|Municipality]]
| seats2           = {{Composition bar|5|61|{{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} {{efn|They were elected on Berisha's [[Together We Win|Together We Win coalition]]}}
| seats3_title     = [[Municipalities of Albania|Council Seats]]
| seats3           = {{Composition bar|415|1613|{{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} {{efn|Elected on the Democratic list of Alibeaj and [[Together We Win|Together We Win coalition]]}}
| symbol           = 
| website          = {{URL|pd.al}}
| country          = Albania
| footnotes        = 
}}
{{Politics of Albania}}
The '''Democratic Party of Albania''' ({{langx|sq|Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë}}, '''PD''' or '''PDSH''') is a [[Conservatism|conservative]]<ref name="Slomp2011">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LmfAPmwE6YYC&pg=PA605|page=605|title=Europe, A Political Profile: An American Companion to European Politics|first=Hans|last=Slomp|isbn=978-0-313-39182-8|date=26 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO}}</ref><ref name="Nordsieck">{{cite web|url=http://www.parties-and-elections.eu/albania.html|title=Albania|first=Wolfram|last=Nordsieck|website=Parties and Elections in Europe|date=2017}}</ref><ref name="Lewis2000">{{cite book|author=Paul G. Lewis|title=Political Parties in Post-Communist Eastern Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UjmwJWwgOfgC&pg=PA53|access-date=6 February 2013|year=2000|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-20182-7|pages=53–}}</ref> [[political party in Albania]]. It has been the largest opposition party in the country since 2013.

The Democratic Party of Albania was founded in 1990 as a strongly anti-communist party with the majority of its followers being from politically persecuted dissidents of the Communist dictatorial regime of [[Enver Hoxha]]. In international relations, it is an associate member of the [[European People's Party]] and a full member of [[International Democrat Union]].

==History==

===Foundation===
The Democratic Party was founded on 12 December 1990 with major involvement from [[Avdyl Matoshi]], [[Azem Hajdari]], [[Sali Berisha]] and [[Gramoz Pashko]],<ref name=dod20jan>{{cite news|last=Doder|first=Dusko|title=At Last, Albanians Feel Winds of Change|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/01/20/at-last-albanians-feel-winds-of-change/|access-date=5 July 2013|newspaper=The Chicago Tribune|date=20 January 1991|location=Tirana}}</ref> and [[Arben Imami]], Edmond Budina, [[Eduart Selami]], [[Genc Ruli]], [[Merita Zaloshnja]], [[Aleksandër Meksi]] involved only in the early stages of the formation of the party. It is the first opposition party in Albania after more than 45 years of a communist leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Communist History Of Albania |url=http://thebalkanista.com/2018/02/25/communist-history-albania/ |website=(http://thebalkanista.com) |date=25 February 2018 |publisher=The Balkanista}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Communist-Era Disappearances Still Haunt Albania |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2021/03/15/communist-era-disappearances-still-haunt-albania/ |website=(https://balkaninsight.com) |date=15 March 2021 |publisher=Balkan Insight}}</ref> The party was created as an anti-communist movement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Albania - Collapse of communism {{!}} Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania/Collapse-of-communism|access-date=2021-11-24|website=www.britannica.com|language=en}}</ref>

===1991: First pluralist elections===
{{Main|1991 Albanian parliamentary election}}The First Pluralist would be the first elections since 1923 to allow more than one Party. The Ruling Labour Party of Albania during the 1991 Elections had the biggest advantage during the election. Including the influence over the media.<ref name="The Albanian Question">{{Cite book |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5040/9780755622610 |title=The Albanian Question |date=2007 |publisher=I.B.Tauris |doi=10.5040/9780755622610 |isbn=978-1-86064-974-5 |editor-last=Vickers |editor-first=Miranda |editor-last2=Pettifer |editor-first2=James}}</ref> There was no opportunity for the Democratic party and other Anti-Communist parties in the election to influence the rural country side. The Democratic Party platform had promised the transformation of living standards through membership in the [[European Community]], strong connection with the [[United States]] and other Western nations, ''[[Gastarbeiter]]'' in [[Germany|German]] factories abroad, and immediate steps towards a free-market economy.<ref name="The Albanian Question"/> Which resulted in the Democratic Party coming in second place in results. The Democratic party would ultimately win in the [[1992 Albanian parliamentary election|next Election]].

===1992: Second pluralist parliamentary presidential elections===
The Democratic Party of Albania won the parliamentary elections of 22 March 1992,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ifes.org/publications/republic-albania-technical-assessment-election-peoples-assembly-march-9-april-2-1992 |title=Republic of Albania: A Technical Assessment of the Election of the Peoples Assembly, March 9 - April 2, 1992 |publisher=IFES |date=30 April 1992}}</ref> the second free and fair elections after many decades of mandatory and single communist party candidate elections. [[Sali Berisha]] its leader was elected as the second President of Albania, which at the time had executive powers, and Aleksandër Meksi as Prime Minister.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albania timeline |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1004984.stm |website=(http://news.bbc.co.uk) |date=24 January 2012 |publisher=BBC United Kingdom}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Albanian Party Hails Ex-Communist Defeat |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/24/world/albanian-party-hails-ex-communist-defeat.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=24 March 1992 |agency=Reuters}}</ref> [[Sali Berisha]] with significant contribution in the formation of the party, and [[Aleksandër Meksi]] with minor contribution. The second pluralist government of Albania governed by the Democratic Party and its leader was tasked with executing reforms to turn the country from a communist style everything in the hands of the government rule into a democratic country based in free markets, property rights, individual rights, and without interference of the government in the private lives of its citizens.<ref>{{cite web |title=Albania Table of Contents |url=http://countrystudies.us/albania/63.htm |website=(http://countrystudies.us) |publisher=countrystudies}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.mongabay.com/reference/country_studies/albania/GOVERNMENT.html |title=Albania - GOVERNMENT |publisher=Mongabay.com |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>

===1996 Presidential elections===
Four years after the second free and fair elections, new free and fair election in respect to the new [[Constitution of Albania]] adopted in 1991, conform other democratic western and European countries were due. The elections were held on 26 May 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arjonline.org/full-text/parliamentary-elections-held-on-may-26th-1996-in-albania-and-the-political-crises-they-caused/parliamentary-elections-held-on-may-26th-1996-in-albania-and-the-political-crises-they-caused |title=Parliamentary elections held on May 26th, 1996 in Albania and the political crises they caused  |publisher=American Research Journals |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref><ref name="arjonline_9">{{cite journal |url=https://www.arjonline.org/papers/arjhc/9.pdf |title=Parliamentary elections held on May 26th, 1996 in Albania and the political crises they caused |journal=American Research Journal of History and Culture |volume=6 |issue= 1, 1–9 |issn=2379-2914}}</ref> The main and well known political leaders of the party that governed the [[Republic of Albania]] for more than 45 years, under a ruthless regime, were no longer a major participant in the election. However, the party itself and its new and less known leaders at the time of the former [[Party of Labour of Albania|Labor Party]], the main political party during the communist regime was reformed, changed its platform conform to other parties that held the same beliefs, mainly [[left-wing]] philosophies, conform democratic standards, and its name to the [[Socialist Party of Albania]]. It was the only serious opponent and challenger to the Democratic Party of Albania in the 26 May 1996 presidential elections.<ref name="arjonline_9"/> During these elections the international election observers were limited in numbers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/c/13567.pdf |title=OBSERVATION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS HELD IN THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA – MAY 26 and JUNE 2, 1996 |publisher=Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref> The Democratic Party of Albania and its allies were able to win more than 71 seats in the parliament, on the Presidential Election of 26 May 1996, enough to form the majority and stay in government.<ref name="ipu_2001_96">{{cite web |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2001_96.htm |title=Parliamentary Chamber: Kuvendi Popullor – ELECTIONS HELD IN 1996 |publisher= Inter-Parliamentary Union |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref> [[Sali Berisha]] and [[Aleksandër Meksi]] respectively remained [[President of Albania|President]] and [[Prime Minister]] of the [[Republic of Albania]], until new parliamentary election were called due to the Ponzi-Schemes crisis, held on 29 June 1997.<ref name="ipu_2001_96"/>

===1997 parliamentary elections===
The Ponzi-Schemes lead to civil unrest that culminated in early spring of 1997. The crisis was deeply severe. The government led by the Democratic Party of Albania and its leader due to civil unrest was not able to function properly in many parts of the country, especially in the south of Albania.<ref name="washingtonpost_1997-02-02">{{cite news |last1=Hockstader |first1=Lee |title=ALBANIAN DREAMS SHATTER IN PYRAMID SCHEMES' FALL |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1997/02/02/albanian-dreams-shatter-in-pyramid-schemes-fall/d32cf2c6-dd8c-4c52-b61c-50582135a603/ |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> The fact that these Ponzi-Schemes were endorsed by the government (led by the Democratic Party of Albania) or suggested people to invest in these schemes and the majority of the people who invested in these Ponzi-Schemes blamed the Democratic Party's government for the failure of the Ponzi-Schemes. As a result of this crisis and internal civil unrest new parliamentary election were called on 29 June 1997 to sooth the situation.<ref name="washingtonpost_1997-02-02"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jarvis |first1=Christopher |title=The Rise and Fall of Albania's Pyramid Schemes |url=https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2000/03/jarvis.htm |website=imf.org |publisher=IMF}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Skarda |first1=Erin |title=Albanian Pyramid Schemes |url=http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2104982_2104983_2104998,00.html |magazine=Time |date=7 March 2012 }}</ref> As a result of these elections the Democratic Party of Albania lost its elections to its opposition party, [[Socialist Party of Albania]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Albania 1997 Legislative Election |url=https://www.binghamton.edu/cdp/era/elections/alb97par.html |website=binghamton.edul |publisher=The Center on Democratic Performance, Binghamton University |access-date=5 May 2021 |archive-date=5 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505034312/https://www.binghamton.edu/cdp/era/elections/alb97par.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Human Rights Watch. |first1=International Foundation for Election Systems. |title=Albania: Voting procedures during the 1997, 2000 and 2001 elections |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/3f7d4d4f1c.html |website=refworld.org |publisher=Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref>

A little more than a year after the [[Socialist Party of Albania]] took control of the government on 12 September 1998 [[Azem Hajdari]] one of the founding members of the Democratic Party of Albania and a very important political figure within the party was assassinated. His assassination lead to further unrest in Albania.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Topalli |first1=Jozefina |title=On the political assassinations, arrests and persecution of the opposition by the neo-communist regime in Albania |url=http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/62/354.html |website=hartford-hwp.com |access-date=8 May 2021}}</ref> The Democratic Party of Albania was in opposition and its leader, the former President of Albania (with executive powers), who was in the leadership of the party during this time, [[Sali Berisha]], accused the government of the [[Socialist Party of Albania]] as the perpetrator of the assassination of [[Azem Hajdari]].<ref>{{cite web |title=World: Europe Violent protests at Albanian PM's office |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/170367.stm |website=news.bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC |date=13 September 1998}}</ref>

===2001 parliamentary elections===
On 24 June 2001 the next parliamentary elections on the due date as provided by the constitution were held. These elections were also lost by the Democratic Party of Albania although not as deeply as the previous elections. The Democratic Party alleged irregularities and did not accept the result of the elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=Election - June 2001 |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/al-politics-2001.htm |website=www.globalsecurity.org/ |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref> ODHIR and OSCE which were involved in monitoring the elections and as an independent party declared on their final report that the elections were marked by irregularities and that repeated voting in some electoral zones increased the violations and irregularities of the election. To what extent these irregularities and violations helped the [[Socialist Party of Albania]] win in such a wide range was not determined or conclusive in the election report.<ref>{{cite web |title=REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 24 June – 19 August 2001 |url=https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/6/4/13559.pdf |website=[[osce.org]] |publisher=Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights}}</ref>

===2005 parliamentary elections===
In the [[2005 Albanian parliamentary election|2005 parliamentary elections]], the Democratic Party won 56 of the 140 seats and its allies won 18 under the call ''Time to Change'' (''Koha per Ndryshim''). Two other parties also joined the new coalition (PAA of the left wing & [[Unity for Human Rights Party|PBDNJ]] of the Greek minority, with 4 and 2 seats, respectively). This meant that with a combined total of 79 seats, the Democratic Party and its allies were able to form a government with Sali Berisha becoming Prime Minister. One of his priorities was Albanian integration to [[NATO]], an objective he accomplished in 2009 when Albania and [[Croatia]] were accepted as members. The biggest tragedy after the [[1997 Albanian civil unrest]] happened in Saturday 15 March 2008 which is known as [[2008 Gërdec explosions]] . Officially, Albanian authorities confirmed 26 deaths in the explosions. Officials report the number of injured people at over 300. According to figures published by the Prime Minister's Office, 2,306 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the explosions. Of these, 318 houses were destroyed completely, 200 buildings were seriously damaged, and 188 buildings were less seriously damaged.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Gerdec explosions trial ends with 19 convictions|url=http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=338994618&Country=Albania&topic=Politics&subtopic=R_6|access-date=7 June 2021|website=country.eiu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=United States Concludes Clean Up Effort at Albanian Explosion Site|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/12/202271.htm|access-date=7 June 2021|website=U.S. Department of State}}</ref>

===2009 parliamentary elections===
{{Main|2009 Albanian parliamentary election}}On 28 June 2009 the next elections that were due on the date provided were held. The elections were won by the Democratic Party with its electoral alliance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IPU PARLINE database: ALBANIA (Kuvendi) ELECTIONS IN 2009 |url=http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2001_09.htm |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=archive.ipu.org}}</ref> Alliance of Change (''Aleance e Ndryshimit).'' The alliance consisted of mostly Right Wing parties. Shortly before the election the Ethnic Greek unity party had switched to join the Center Left alliance of [[Edi Rama]] Unification for Change (''Bashkimi për Ndryshim)''. Due to the [[Party for Justice, Integration and Unity|PDIU]], a party representing the interest of [[Cham Albanians]] whose properties in Greece were seized after the Second world war. Nevertheless the Democratic party with its alliance had won 70 out of the 140 seats.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Christo |first=Van |title=The 2009 Elections in Albania {{!}} The Frosina Information Network |url=https://www.frosina.org/the-2009-elections-in-albania/ |access-date=2022-04-30 |language=en-US |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405111411/https://www.frosina.org/the-2009-elections-in-albania/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was unclear whether the Democratic party and its alliance had won 70 or 71.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Press corner |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |access-date=2022-04-30 |website=European Commission - European Commission |language=en}}</ref> On 4 July 2009, [[Ilir Meta]] leader of [[Socialist Movement for Integration|LSI]] announced he had accepted a deal to form a working majority coalition. Making PD and its alliance have 74 out of 140.<ref name="auto"/>

===2013 parliamentary elections===
After the defeat in the [[2013 Albanian parliamentary election|2013 parliamentary election]], Berisha announced his resignation as party leader. A one-member-one-vote election was held for the first time on 23 July 2013, in which [[Lulzim Basha]] defeated his opponent [[Sokol Olldashi]] and was elected Chairman of the Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/lulzim-basha-elected-head-of-albania-s-democrats|title=Basha Elected Head of Albania's Democrats :: Balkan Insight|website=www.balkaninsight.com|date=23 July 2013|access-date=20 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=115446|title=Basha elected new Democratic Party leader|date=26 July 2013|work=Tirana Times|access-date=20 March 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 30 September 2014, a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership and to announce a tough reform of the party.<ref>albania-opposition-party-elects-new-leadership</ref> {{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

On the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party, party leader Basha announced his program for the further modernization and democratisation of the party ahead of the [[2017 Albanian parliamentary election|2017 parliamentary elections]].

After previously promising that 35% of the parliamentary candidates would consist of members from the youth movement of the Party, Basha now announced a limitations of all mandates of the party leaders to a two-year term, and the full democratisation of the internal election process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.exit.al/en/2016/12/11/basha-announces-thorough-reform-of-pd/|title=Basha Announces Thorough Reform of PD - Exit|date=11 December 2016|work=Exit|access-date=20 March 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924211906/http://www.exit.al/en/2016/12/11/basha-announces-thorough-reform-of-pd/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2017 parliamentary elections===
{{Main|2017 Albanian parliamentary election}}

On 18 February 2017 members of the Democratic Party and other opposition parties, under the leadership of Basha pitched a giant tent outside the Prime Minister's office in [[Tirana]] after thousands of protesters rallied to demand free elections and a technocrat government. The [[2017 Albanian opposition protest|opposition protest]] further escalated into a larger political conflict. The Democratic Party and its allies refused to register to take part in the 25 June general election, until the government will accept their conditions to secure a free and democratic election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-opposition-protests-idUSKBN15X0OI|title=Albanian protesters rally, pitch tent to demand free elections|date=18 February 2017|access-date=25 June 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/opposition-in-albania-declares-boycott-on-scheduled-june-elections-04-10-2017#sthash.t0ZsiCRh.dpuf|title=Albania Opposition Parties to Boycott June Elections :: Balkan Insight|website=www.balkaninsight.com|date=11 April 2017|access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref>

===2021 parliamentary elections===
{{Main|2021 Albanian parliamentary election}}
[[File:Democratic Party Logo.svg|thumb|1992 Logo of the Democratic Party of Albania]]
[[File:Logoja e vjeter e Partisë Demokratike.svg|thumb|1997 Design of the Democratic Party logo]]On 16 February 2019 the Albanian opposition led by [[Lulzim Basha]] protested for three years under his leadership, with the goals of removing Edi Rama from power. The opposition coalition consists of the Democratic Party (PD), the [[Freedom Party of Albania|Socialist Movement for Integration]], the [[Party for Justice, Integration and Unity]], the [[Republican Party of Albania|Republican Party]] and other minor opposition parties. After the first protests opposition MPs decided to resign in mass from parliament, more than 40 seats were vacated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-03-25 |title=Albanian anti-govt protesters try to storm parliament - The Washington Post |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/thousands-of-albanian-protesters-call-for-govt-to-step-down/2019/03/16/a5949594-47dc-11e9-94ab-d2dda3c0df52_story.html |access-date=2022-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325205625/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/thousands-of-albanian-protesters-call-for-govt-to-step-down/2019/03/16/a5949594-47dc-11e9-94ab-d2dda3c0df52_story.html |archive-date=25 March 2019 }}</ref> Due to the protests the opposition parties decided to boycott the local elections that were previously set to be held on [[2019 Albanian local elections|30 June 2019]]. Lulzim Basha formed an alliance with minority parties, forming the Democratic Party Alliance for Change (''Partia Demokratike - Aleanca për Ndryshim).''<ref>{{Cite web |title="Partia Demokratike-Aleanca për Ndryshim"/ 13 partitë që garojnë bashkë me demokratët më 25 Prill |url=https://www.oranews.tv/partia-demokratike-aleanca-per-ndryshim-14-partite-qe-garojne-bashke-me-demokratet-me-25-prill/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Ora News}}</ref> However this was not enough to deliver the Democratic Party a victory, it did however increase its seats in Parliament<ref>{{Cite web |title=Komisioni Qendror i Zgjedhjeve |url=https://kqz.gov.al/results/results2021/results2021.htm |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=kqz.gov.al}}</ref> and the [[2021 Albanian parliamentary election]] would be the third loss in a row for the Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jalvarado |date=2021-05-11 |title=Albania: April 2021 Parliamentary Election Report |url=https://www.ndi.org/publications/albania-april-2021-parliamentary-election-report |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=www.ndi.org |language=en}}</ref> Following the election aftermath [[Sali Berisha]] had been declared [[Persona non grata|Persona Non Grata]] by the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Designation of Albanian Sali Berisha Due to Involvement in Significant Corruption |url=https://www.state.gov/public-designation-of-albanian-sali-berisha-due-to-involvement-in-significant-corruption/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=United States Department of State |language=en}}</ref> Which resulted in Lulzim Basha expelling Berisha from the parliamentary group<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basha përjashton Berishën nga grupi parlamentar PD derisa të zbardhet çështja Non Grata |url=https://www.oranews.tv/vendi/basha-perjashton-berishen-nga-grupi-parlamentar-derisa-te-zbardhet-ceshtja-i1008030 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Ora News}}</ref> and begun causing party internal fighting between members of Basha's faction and Berisha's faction. On 11 December at [[Arena Kombëtare]], the Berisha faction held a ''national council'' to remove Basha and his members from the party leadership. More than 4,446 voted for the removal of Lulzim Basha from party leader of the Democratic Party.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-11 |title=Kuvendi i thirrur nga Berisha, shkarkon Bashën dhe Kryesinë e PD |url=https://euronews.al/vendi/politike/2021/12/11/kuvendi-i-thirrur-nga-berisha-shkarkon-bashen-dhe-kryesine-e-pd/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref> However, Basha did not recognize the results and the party internal feuds continued. On 6 March 2022 Partial Local elections for Specifically, [[Shkodër]], [[Durrës]], [[Dibër County|Dibër]], [[Vorë]], [[Rrogozhinë]], and [[Lushnjë]]. Many supporters had left to support Sali Berisha's coalition "House of Freedom" during the party internal feuds. Which resulted in The Democratic party being placed third and second. While Sali Berisha and his coalition coming first place in [[Shkodër]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Albania: "House of Freedom" vs. Drug cartel |url=https://www.ifimes.org/en/researches/2022-albania-house-of-freedom-vs-drug-cartel/5003 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=www.ifimes.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-06 |title=STATEMENT – Tomorrow's Partial Local Elections extremely important for the prevalence of democratic values and principles in the future of the country - KRIIK |url=https://kriik.al/home/en/2022/03/06/statement-tomorrows-partial-local-elections-extremely-important-for-the-prevalence-of-democratic-values-and-principles-in-the-future-of-the-country/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |language=en-GB}}</ref> Following the defeats in the partial local elections, Lulzim Basha stepped down which resulted in Sali Berisha and [[Enkelejd Alibeaj]] having disputes over leadership of the party.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largohet nga drejtimi i PD Lulzim Basha, REAGON Ambasada Amerikane dhe jep mesazhin e RËNDËSISHËM |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/largohet-nga-drejtimi-i-pd-lulzim-basha-reagon-ambasada-amerikane-dhe-j-i501244 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alibeaj gathers himself, Berisha: He has only the right that Rama gives him. Immigrant vote warning |url=https://politiko.al/english/ditari-i-opozites/alibeaj-mbledh-te-vetet-berisha-ka-vetem-tagrin-qe-i-jep-rama--i460590 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=politiko.al}}</ref>  Although not just Alibeaj and Berisha, members of Berisha's factions as well began to have disputes between each other, specifically between [[Belind Këlliçi]] and Evi Kokalari. Këlliçi had accused Kokalari that she had been attacking him and claimed that "Kokalari took time to hit me with some of the accusations and slanders used by the [[Socialist Party of Albania|Socialists]] against me." As a result Këlliçi had taken Kokalari to trial and responded to the accusations that Evi Kokalari has made against him with a defamation lawsuit, where he demands 1 million [[Albanian lek|Lek]] in compensation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-17 |title=Belind Këlliçi shuan zërat se pas Evi Kokalarit qëndron Berisha: Shpifjet i përdori i pari Erion Veliaj! |url=https://lapsi.al/2022/06/17/belind-kellici-shuan-zerat-se-pas-evi-kokalarit-qendron-berisha-shpifjet-i-perdori-i-pari-erion-veliaj/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Lapsi.al |language=sq}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clashes between Democrats / Belind Këlliçi sued for defamation, comes the immediate reaction of Evi Kokalari |url=https://sot.com.al/english/politike/plas-mes-demokrateve-belind-kellici-e-paditi-per-shpifje-vjen-reagimi-i-i520521 |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=sot.com.al}}</ref> On 7 July 2022 a big protest was held in Tirana in front of the Prime Minster's Office, Sali Berisha as ''de facto'' Chairman of the party had called it weeks before.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-08 |title=Thousands of Albanians Participate in Opposition-Led Protest against Government |url=https://exit.al/en/2022/07/08/thousands-of-albanians-participate-in-opposition-led-protest-against-government/ |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=Exit - Explaining Albania |language=en-US |archive-date=8 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708211100/https://exit.al/en/2022/07/08/thousands-of-albanians-participate-in-opposition-led-protest-against-government/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The protest was called under the motto and slogan "Albania in Danger" (Shqipëria në rrezik). Sali Berisha stated that the future of Albania and the Albanians was at risk and the stake of the fatherland was in their hands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anti-government protests held in Albania |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/anti-government-protests-held-in-albania/2632870 |access-date=2022-07-08 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref> On 17 May 2023 [[Enkelejd Alibeaj]] resigned from every post of the Democratic Party of Albania.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enkelejd Alibeaj Resigns from DP Leadership |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/enkelejd-alibeaj-resigns-from-dp-leadership |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref> [[Gazment Bardhi]] would succeed Alibeaj which would continue the party split.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Pas dorëheqjes së Alibeaj reagon Gazment Bardhi |url=https://euronews.al/pas-doreheqjes-se-alibeaj-reagon-gazment-bardhi/ |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref> On 24 May 2023 Lulzim Basha would make an appearance claiming he was the leader of the Democrats again succeeding Bardhi who served as interim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Basha Unveils Three Proposals in Meeting with Tirana Youngsters |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/basha-unveils-three-proposals-in-meeting-with-tirana-youth-1 |access-date=2023-05-24 |website=ALBANIA DAILY NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

==Headquarters==
The party's headquarters are located in [[Tirana]], capital city of [[Albania]],<ref>{{cite web |website=www.visitcapitalcity.com |url=https://www.visitcapitalcity.com/europe/tirana-albania/ |publisher=www.visitcapitalcity.com |title=Tirana, capital city of Albania |date=8 March 2020 }}</ref> not too far away from the [[Albanian Parliament]] (approximately 50 meters away). The newspaper [[Rilindja Demokratike]], the Democratic Party's main news organ, is located at the same headquarters building.

==Election results==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
! Election
! Votes
! %
! Seats
! +/–
! Government
|-
! [[1991 Albanian parliamentary election|1991]] 
| 720,948 
| 38.7 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|75|250|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}}
| {{increase}} 75 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[1992 Albanian parliamentary election|1992]] 
| 1,046,193 
| 57.3 (#1)
| {{Composition bar|92|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{increase}} 17 
| {{yes2|[[Meksi I Government|Coalition]]}}
|-
! [[1996 Albanian parliamentary election|1996]] 
| 914,218 
| 55.2 (#1)
| {{Composition bar|122|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{increase}} 30 
| {{yes2|Coalition}}
|-
! [[1997 Albanian parliamentary election|1997]] 
| 315,677 
| 24.1 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|24|155|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}}
| {{decrease}} 98 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2001 Albanian parliamentary election|2001]] 
| 494,272 
| 36.9 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|46|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{increase}} 20 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2005 Albanian parliamentary election|2005]] 
| 602,066 
| 44.2 (#1)
| {{Composition bar|56|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{increase}} 10 
| {{yes2|[[Berisha I Government|Coalition]]}}
|-
! [[2009 Albanian parliamentary election|2009]] 
| 610,463 
| 40.2 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|68|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{increase}} 12 
| {{yes2|[[Berisha II Government|Coalition]]}}
|-
! [[2013 Albanian parliamentary election|2013]] 
| 528,373 
| 30.6 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|50|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 18 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2017 Albanian parliamentary election|2017]] 
| 427,778 
| 28.8 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|43|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}} 
| {{decrease}} 7 
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|-
! [[2021 Albanian parliamentary election|2021]] 
| 622,234 
| 39.4 (#2)
| {{Composition bar|59|140|hex={{party color|Democratic Party of Albania}}}}
| {{increase}} 13
| {{no2|Opposition}}
|}

== Ideology ==
The Democratic party of Albania is considered to be a [[Centre-right politics|centre-right]]<ref name="CSIS">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |title=European Election Watch Albania |url=https://www.csis.org/programs/european-election-watch/albania |access-date=4 January 2022 |website= |publisher=[[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] |quote= |archive-date=4 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104030128/https://www.csis.org/programs/european-election-watch/albania |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="aeob13" /> party that holds [[Conservatism|conservative]]<ref name="Slomp2011" /><ref name="Nordsieck" /><ref name="Lewis2000" /> and conservative liberal views.<ref name="aeob13">{{cite journal|title=The Albanian Electoral Systems since 1990|journal=Albanian Elections Observatory Brief|date=19 April 2013|issue=1|publisher=Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy|url=http://www.eliamep.gr/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/bn1.pdf|access-date=2 July 2013}}</ref> However, the party also has members that hold [[National conservatism|national conservative]] views.<ref>{{Citation |last=Bakke |first=Elisabeth |title=Central and East European party systems since 1989 |date=2010-02-18 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511803185.008 |work=Central and Southeast European Politics since 1989 |pages=64–90 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |access-date=2023-01-30}}</ref> The Democrats support NATO and are [[pro-European]],<ref name="CSIS" /><ref name="aeob13" /> and support [[accession of Albania to the European Union]].<ref name="CSIS" /><ref name="aeob13" />

== Party split (2021–2024) ==
Originally [[Gazment Bardhi]] was on the side of Lulzim Basha as leader of the Democrats. However, on 4 September 2023 he ordered all Albanian democrat politicians and even opposition members who were elected on the Democratic Party list to meet him on 5 September 2023, just one day before Lulzim Basha expelled 500 members for going against his leadership.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gazetar 5 |date=2023-09-03 |title=Bardhi fton të gjithë deputetët / Mbledhje të martën për të unifikuar aksionin opozitar |url=https://www.vizionplus.tv/bardhi-fton-te-gjithe-deputetet-mbledhje-te-marten-per-te-unifikuar-aksionin-opozitar/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Vizion Plus |language=en-US}}</ref> 40 of the 59 elected showing up in person and 3 showing up to the meeting online. While one was pro for the unification was not able to be neither online or in person.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-07 |title=LISTA ME EMRA/ Kush janë deputetët që konfirmuan pjesëmarrjen në takimin e thirrur nga Gazment Bardhi! Idrizi dhe Doda ‘distancohen’, përkrahësit e Bashës në bllok kundër |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/lista-me-emra-kush-jane-deputetet-qe-konfirmuan-pjesemarrjen-ne-takimin-e-thirrur-nga-gazment-bardhi-idrizi-dhe-doda-distancohen-perkrahesit-e-bashes-ne-bllok-kunder/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |language=sq}}</ref> Bardhi argued that this unification is needed. Stating that the party has seen too many failures now. Both Berisha and Bardhi agreed to settle their differences and united their groups. However, Lulzim Basha was against this unified opposition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ardit |date=2023-06-05 |title=Basha kundër bashkimit të PD: S’mund të jetë mekanik, me ta nuk jemi ndarë për gjëra të vogla |url=https://newsbomb.net/basha-kunder-bashkimit-te-pd-smund-te-jete-mekanik-me-ta-nuk-jemi-ndare-per-gjera-te-vogla/ |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Newsbomb Albania |language=sq}}</ref>   
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Pro-Basha
!Pro-Unification
|-
|[[Lulzim Basha]]
|[[Gazment Bardhi]]
|-
|Kreshnik Collaku
|[[Jorida Tabaku]] (was online)
|-
|Eralda Bano
|Dhurata Çupi
|-
|Merita Bakiu 
|[[Dashnor Sula]]
|-
|Flutura Açka
|Lefter Geshtenja (was online)
|-
|[[Orjola Pampuri|Oriola Pampuri]]
|Zheni Gjergji
|-
|Arbi Agalliu
|Qani Xhafa
|-
|Selaudin Jakupllari
|Helidon Bushati
|-
|Oriela Nebiaj
|Ramadan Likaj
|-
|[[Andia Ulliri]]
|Xhelal Mziu 
|-
|[[Enkelejd Alibeaj]]
|Flamur Hoxha
|-
|
|Bledion Nallbati
|-
|
|Agron Gjekmarkaj
|-
|
|[[Ferdinand Xhaferaj]]
|-
|
|Ervin Salianji
|-
|
|Ilda Dhori (was online) 
|-
|
|Petrit Doda (was online)
|-
|
|[[Fatmir Mediu]] 
|-
|
|Agron Duka
|-
|
|[[Vangjel Dule]]
|-
|
|Dashamir Shehi
|-
|
|Greta Bardeli 
|-
|
|[[Ina Zhupa]]
|-
|
|Isuf Çelaj
|-
|
|Asllan Dogjani
|-
|
|Bujar Leskaj
|-
|
|[[Edi Paloka]]
|-
|
|Kastriot Piroli
|-
|
|Lindita Metaliaj
|-
|
|Ludovik Hasanaj
|-
|
|Sorina Koti
|-
|
|Tomorr Alizoti
|-
|
|[[Edmond Spaho]]
|-
|
|[[Albana Vokshi]]
|-
|
|[[Flamur Noka]]
|-
|
|Oerd Bylykbashi
|-
|
|Luan Baçi
|-
|
|[[Tritan Shehu]]
|-
|
|[[Sali Berisha]]
|-
|
|Kasem Mahmutaj
|-
|
|Elda Hoti
|-
|
|Emilja Koliqi
|}

==Party chairs==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
! Chairman
! Period
|-
| [[Sali Berisha]] || 1990–1992
|-
| [[Eduart Selami]] || 1992–1995
|-
| [[Tritan Shehu]] || 1995–1997
|-
| [[Sali Berisha]] || 1997–2013
|-
| [[Lulzim Basha]] || 2013–2022
|-
| [[Sali Berisha]] || 2022–
|-
|}

== Appeal in the General Judicial Court (2024) ==
The Court of Appeal decided not to accept [[Enkelejd Alibeaj|Enkelejd Alibeaj's]] complaint about the seal and leadership of the Democratic Party, thus affirming the official Democratic Party's emblem and logo as belonging to Sali Berisha. By rejecting Alibeaj's appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the First Instance, presided over by Judge Agron Zhukri, which recognized the decisions made during the Assembly held on December 11, as convened by the Re-establishment faction.

This decision establishes that the chairman of the official Democratic Party is former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who is currently under the security measure of "House Arrest" following investigations initiated by [[SPAK]].

The Appellate panel's decision was rendered by Judges Alma Ahmeti, Iliba Bezati, and Elona Toro, and is final. At the onset of the session, the Re-establishment faction submitted a preliminary request to dismiss Alibeaj's appeal, arguing that they were not a legitimate party.

The legal representative, Ivi Kaso, urged the enforcement of the "Zhukri" decision and the acknowledgment of the resolutions passed during the National Assembly of December 11, 2021, a position upheld by the court. Kaso stated, "The right of annulment belongs only to the party that initiated the legal proceedings."

Reacting to the media at the conclusion of the Appeal session, Flamur Noka expressed that truth prevailed and urged all Democrats to unite within the Democratic Party. "Today is a momentous day for all Democrats. Despite facing injustice, honorable judges have emerged to uphold the truth that had been obscured for three years. The truth is that Democrats determine all matters concerning the Democratic Party through their own will. Our message is clear: Democrats stand united and are pleased with the decision."

"However, today marks a setback for the ruling regime, as united Democrats now have a singular mission: to dismantle this narco-regime and restore hope to Albanians. The era of a divided opposition has ended, giving way to a united front. Today, Albania has a resolute Democratic Party and a unified opposition that will amplify the voice of the people," concluded Noka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=nc |first=fra |date=2024-06-11 |title=Gjykata e Apelit i jep vulën e Partisë Demokratike Sali Berishës |url=https://euronews.al/gjykata-e-apelit-i-jep-per-vulen-e-partise-demokratike-sali-berishes/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{European People's Party}}
{{International Democrat Union}}
{{Albanian political parties}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Democratic Party Of Albania}}
[[Category:Democratic Party of Albania| ]]
[[Category:Political parties in Albania]]
[[Category:Conservative parties in Albania]]