Albania
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
68 / 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit
46 / 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Albania has a record of competitive elections, though political parties are highly polarized and often organized around leading personalities. Religious freedom and freedom of assembly are generally respected. Corruption and bribery remain major problems, though the government is working to address corruption in the judiciary.
Research & Recommendations
Albania
Partly Free
68
100
| PR Political Rights | 28 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 40 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
68
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Albania has a record of competitive elections, though political parties are highly polarized and often organized around leading personalities. Religious freedom and freedom of assembly are generally respected. Corruption and bribery remain major problems, though the government has worked to address corruption in the judiciary.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Albania
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
46
100
| DEMOCRACY-PERCENTAGE Democracy Percentage | 46.43 100 |
| DEMOCRACY-SCORE Democracy Score | 3.79 7 |
Last Year's Democracy Percentage & Status
46
100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 1 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The Democracy Percentage, introduced in 2020, is a translation of the Democracy Score to the 0-100 scale, where 0 equals least democratic and 100 equals most democratic.
See the methodology.
Executive Summary
Albania’s democracy experienced numerous challenges in 2023, especially during the local elections in May, which further consolidated the ruling party’s dominant position in the country. Several journalists were subjected to verbal and physical attacks throughout the year, and the working environment and conditions for journalists have deteriorated in 2023 compared to previous years. The main opposition party in parliament, the Democratic Party, continued to experience internal conflict and was split into factions led by dueling party leaders Lulzim Basha and Sali Berisha. This weak position ultimately resulted in little oversight of the government, led by the Socialists and Prime Minister Edi Rama, and, later, outright violence in the parliament.
Nations in Transit 2024 Policy Recommendations
Ensure that Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is soundly defeated.
The future of European democracy and security is now inextricably linked to the fate of Ukraine. European Union (EU) and NATO member states must not only invest far more—and more efficiently—in their collective defense, but also provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs to roll back Russian advances and build a durable democracy of its own.
Support democratic renewal and reform.
In addition to defending the international order from emboldened autocrats, democratic governments must attend to democratic renewal within Europe, particularly among nascent democracies.
Provide consistent messaging and support to Europe’s aspiring democracies.
Military aggression from autocracies in the region has underscored the dangers of exclusion from democracy-based organizations like the EU and NATO, galvanizing the political will of policymakers in aspiring member states and generating further public pressure to undertake long-sought democratic reforms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
68
/ 100
Partly Free
Nations in Transit Score
46
/ 100
Transitional or Hybrid Regime
Population: 2,778,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Tracked
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
April 25, 2021
Type of Election
Parliamentary
Internet Penetration
70.35%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
68
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
