The European People's Parties, the main political force in the European Parliament, has approved a resolution on the situation in Albania. The EPP, which also includes the Democratic Party, has called for the rights of the opposition to be respected and for a comprehensive electoral reform to be carried out.
With the lobbying of Greece, the case of the punishment of the elected mayor of Himara Fredi Beleri is also mentioned in the resolution.
The EPP calls for the "rapid implementation of the opposition's parliamentary and constitutional rights, including its fundamental function of holding the executive accountable."
It expresses "concern about the findings of the OSCE-ODHIR Local Elections Report 2023 and calls for a swift implementation of the recommendations and electoral reform and for a constructive and inclusive political dialogue by all parties to address".
It emphasizes that "the neglect of the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedom of the media, as well as widespread corruption and the lack of separation of powers, are undermining Albania's EU membership path.
It strongly condemns the actions of the Albanian government against a mayor elected by the ethnic minority and its direct interference in the electoral processes, which contradict European values".