New right-wing party launched in Albania as opposition fractures

Tirana, October 12, 2024 – Albania’s political landscape has shifted with the launch of "Right 1912," a new right-wing party formed by former members of the Democratic Party.

The party, led by figures including Enkelejd Alibeaj, Arbi Agalliu, and Flutura Açka, aims to offer a fresh alternative as the country’s opposition remains deeply divided. Alibeaj, who was elected as an MP under the Democratic Party banner, presented the party’s Charter of Values and Principles, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom as the foundation of good governance.

“For us, the most direct representation of popular sovereignty is the exercise of freedom,” Alibeaj told supporters, outlining the party’s core values rooted in the right-wing spectrum. He added that the principles they stand for center on safeguarding individual liberties.

The formation of Right 1912 comes at a time when Albania’s largest opposition force, the Democratic Party, is grappling with internal divisions. Its leader, Sali Berisha, is under house arrest on corruption charges, leaving the party in turmoil as it prepares for next year’s elections. This creates a political vacuum that Right 1912 aims to fill, positioning itself as a unifying force on the right.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama of the Socialist Party is seeking a fourth term in office in the 2025 elections. With the opposition fractured and the Democratic Party weakened, Rama’s chances of re-election appear strong, making the emergence of Right 1912 all the more significant.

The new party now faces the challenge of consolidating support in an already polarized political environment. Whether it can unite the right and present a credible challenge to Rama remains to be seen, but its formation marks a key moment in the lead-up to Albania’s next general election.