As Albania approaches the crucial parliamentary elections on May 11, 2025, the political and socio-economic concerns of its citizens are undergoing significant shifts. A recent survey conducted by MRB-Hellas and Datacentrum between January 15-30, 2025, involving 1,600 respondents, sheds light on the key issues shaping voter sentiment. Euronews Albania reports.
Changing Priorities: Then and Now
According to the latest Barometer poll by Euronews Albania, the most pressing concerns for Albanians today are high prices, the cost of living, corruption, unemployment, and emigration. This marks a stark contrast to the pre-election period four years ago, in January 2021, when the primary issues were unemployment, corruption, and healthcare.
While corruption remains a persistent problem, its perceived severity has diminished over the years. In 2021, corruption was among the top three concerns, whereas in 2025, only half as many respondents still consider it one of the country's most critical challenges. Meanwhile, economic struggles—high prices and cost of living—have taken center stage.
Government Performance: A Divided Public Opinion
The survey also gauged public opinion on the government's handling of economic challenges, particularly high prices and the cost of living. The results highlight a deeply divided electorate:
- 27.9% of respondents believe the government has done all it could, given the country’s economic constraints.
- 41.3% feel the government has done little to address these issues, despite having the means to do more.
- 30.8% believe the government has done nothing at all to tackle high prices and the cost of living, despite having the resources to intervene.
Electoral Implications
These findings indicate that economic difficulties are likely to be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections. The government's response—or perceived lack thereof—to these growing financial burdens will play a critical role in shaping voter preferences. With a significant portion of the electorate dissatisfied, political parties will need to focus their campaigns on tangible solutions to ease economic pressures and restore public confidence.
As the election date nears, it remains to be seen how political leaders will address these pressing concerns and whether their proposed policies will resonate with an increasingly economically burdened population.