Albania registered a slight improvement in the Freedom House Nations in Transit 2023 report, although the accompanying country report reveals serious systemic problems yet to be resolved.

The US-based NGO publishes an annual report that takes stock of democracy in countries, measured against indicators such as national and local democratic governance, the judiciary, media, civil society and corruption.

Albania registered a minor increase in its overall score from 3.75 last year to 3.79 this year, based on an evaluation of 2022. This increase was attributed to an improvement in corruption following several high-profile indictments and convictions of former officials and progress in promoting the fight against corruption and organised crime.

The report notes that in 2022, Albania’s democracy withstood numerous challenges, including special local elections in six municipalities in March, political party internal reorganisations and cross-party collaboration for the election of President Bajram Begaj. However, the report notes “little sustainable progress towards becoming a fully-fledged liberal democracy”; therefore, it remains a hybrid regime.

As per Freedom House, a hybrid regime is defined as electoral democracy where democratic institutions are fragile and substantial challenges to protecting political rights, and civil liberties exist. To progress to a semi-consolidated democracy, Albania needs to aim for a score of 4.01.

Other concerns include a hostile political environment towards liberal democratic values, issues with the rule of law and so-called iron-fisted party leaders who rule with little consideration of internal party democracy.

Regarding press freedom, journalists have been targeted by organised crime groups, politically connected individuals, and corrupt officers within the police and justice system during the year.

While it noted the success of opening EU accession negotiations and holding the EU Western Balkan summit in December, the report said many public institutions remain dysfunctional due to widespread corruption and a culture of impunity, undermining democracy and the rule of law.

On human rights, the report said that women, LGBT persons and minorities receive inadequate protection from authorities, with victim blaming and publishing personal data in the media commonplace. As such, Albania has neglected its institutional responsibilities to uphold fundamental human rights and civil liberties fundamental to a full-fledged liberal democracy.

In 2015, Albania scored 3.86 before falling to 3.82 in 2020 and 2.75 in 2021. It remained at that level for another year before recording the first increase in six years, in 2022.

(Alice Taylor | Exit.al)

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