Are anti-corruption protests in Albania genuine? | Gresa Hasa

Albania is often presented as a success story in the Western Balkans, especially on its path to the EU. But what’s really happening beneath the surface?In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, we dive into Albania’s evolving political landscape with researcher Gresa Hasa from the University of Graz.Following a landslide victory by Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, Albania is entering a new phase, one marked by growing concerns over power concentration, weakened opposition, and shrinking civic space.In the conversation we discuss:Why Albania increasingly resembles a dominant one-party system The collapse and fragmentation of the opposition, including Sali Berisha’s roleWhat’s really behind the so-called “anti-corruption protests” The paradox of anti-corruption efforts led by Albania’s special prosecutor (SPAK) Why these protests are less grassroots—and more about elite power struggles The gap between Albania’s EU progress on paper and its democratic reality How international media may be misreading the situation We also explore the concept of “stabilitocracy”—where leaders promise stability to the EU whileundermining democratic institutions at home—and what this means for Albania’sEU future.Learn even more: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2026/03/26/building-a-collective-desire-the-rise-of-kamza-tells-the-story-of-post-communist-albania/Support us - join our patron community! https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope