For years, Lulzim Basha, as leader of the Democratic Party (DP), has struggled to build a strong opposition capable of challenging for power. His tenure, marked by unclear projects, scattered philosophies, and reactive political strategies, has ultimately led to failure. Since his election as party leader, he has lacked a coherent program and vision, often following in Prime Minister Edi Rama’s footsteps rather than setting his own course. His approach has appeared increasingly erratic, resembling the uncertainty seen across successive Rama-led governments, and today, Albania edges closer to yet another term under Rama.
Under Basha, the DP has steadily lost its backbone, as he dismantles core principles in pursuit of his personal interests. Recently, he steered the party from center-right ideals, shaping it into a centrist group leaning left. Former political prisoners and land owners, once key DP pillars, no longer see themselves represented, as Basha has yet to outline an opposition agenda that includes them.
Basha has not only weakened the DP structurally but also diminished its broader purpose. This party, which played a crucial role in ending communist rule 32 years ago and has led major political battles in Albania, now finds itself increasingly marginalized. Under Basha’s leadership, electoral defeats have become commonplace, yet he fails to analyze or learn from these losses.
Faced with a government stained by corruption, with several ministers arrested, Basha’s blame falls on the Albanian people rather than on the opposition’s failure to inspire them. Albanians seek an opposition that genuinely challenges government power and remains steadfast in its causes, rather than one prone to passivity and amateurism, as Basha has exhibited.
Lost in political direction, Basha’s path back to relevance appears unlikely. While the Albanian public needs a true opposition, Basha has instead created a pseudo-liberal party defined by personal ambition. His current endeavor is not the DP; rather, it is a “New Republic” adrift without political direction.
Following the DP’s internal fractures, Basha has found himself isolated, having lost the support of veteran party figures he led for nearly 11 years. Today, any new figure who steps forward to represent the opposition gains significant value. Now distanced even from international allies, Basha has introduced a new political entity, the Euro-Atlantic Democratic Party (PDE), a so-called “New Republic.”
This phase provides a telling view of both his political vision and capabilities. Recently, he has fixated on economic aid—a peculiar stance for a right-leaning party, which would traditionally emphasize employment, investment, business support, property rights, and aid to former political prisoners. As with many of his prior decisions, this shift lacks the professional acumen needed for a successful political endeavor.
For the past year, Basha has encountered the “cyclone” of radicalism spearheaded by Sali Berisha, who, following a violent seizure of DP headquarters, expelled Basha and his supporters. Berisha, a seasoned strategist, has since worked tirelessly to discredit Basha, accusing him of collaboration with Prime Minister Edi Rama and gradually pulling away Basha’s remaining supporters. Now, Basha operates from a separate headquarters, clinging to a semblance of influence in Albanian politics—despite the reality that his career is fading.
Time will soon reveal that the “Basha phenomenon” has reached its end.
Zenel Çeliku
TIR-FAX News Agency
