Rising Divorce Rates in Korça: A Growing Social Concern

 The number of divorces in the Korça district has been steadily increasing year after year, as evidenced by the rising number of cases filed in the District Court. Data suggests that the number of divorce requests has nearly doubled compared to previous years, highlighting a significant social shift in the region.

 Divorce requests at the Korça Court from 2022 to 2024

According to a report by Euronews Albania, journalist Xhensil Shkëmbi notes that legal professionals attribute this rise primarily to emigration. Most divorce requests originate from Albanians living abroad, and in the majority of cases, it is men who initiate the process. This trend is largely due to the financial burden of court expenses, which they are more likely to afford.

Lawyer Esmerald Xhafa emphasizes that emigration remains a key factor in the dissolution of marriages. Many Albanian couples who live and work abroad return to Albania to finalize their divorces.

"One of the main causes is the lifestyle changes resulting from emigration. When one spouse moves to another country, the marriage often becomes merely symbolic, losing its original purpose. There are cases where men have moved to Greece or Germany, while their wives remain in Greece or Albania. These socio-economic conditions in Albania contribute to the increasing number of divorces," stated Xhafa.

From a sociological perspective, Maria Dojçe points to the decline of moral values and the weakening of family principles as major contributors to the rising divorce rates.

"The primary issue is the erosion of values and morality. Society is experiencing a form of instinctive degradation, where materialism takes precedence over principles and ethics. Marriage should not be seen as something one regrets—'Why did I even get married?'—but rather as an institution that requires the cultivation of values, morals, and principles. In recent years, the misuse of personal freedom has led to a decline in moral standards and fundamental human values," explained Dojçe.

The statistics reflect this concerning trend. In 2022, the Korça District Court received 398 divorce requests. This number slightly increased to 402 in 2023. However, in the past year alone, the number surged to a staggering 750 requests, underscoring a dramatic shift in family dynamics within the region.

As divorce rates continue to rise, experts suggest that addressing socio-economic challenges and reinforcing traditional family values could be key to mitigating this trend. The issue remains a topic of debate, raising questions about the evolving nature of relationships and societal expectations in Albania.