Opposition and the Challenge of Albanians: Supporting Justice or Part of the Problem?
Flamur Buçpapaj
Editorial
Albania is living through a decisive historical moment. Society is divided, corruption has become normalized, and trust in politics is at its lowest level since the transition. In this context, the opposition cannot simply remain at a distance, criticizing the government. In fact, it is today the key to change—but only if it dares to act decisively: it must support independent institutions that fight corruption, reform itself, and become a source of hope for citizens.
A Divided Society and the Responsibility of the Opposition
Today, Albania is split into two irreconcilable worlds: a very wealthy minority benefiting from connections with power and the economy, and the majority of citizens living in insecurity, low wages, minimal pensions, and lack of prospects.
The opposition has the great responsibility of representing this majority, yet often its leadership itself is part of the same problem. Figures accused of corruption, clientelism, and repeated political failures are still allowed to lead, making the opposition appear unreliable.
Reason: Without internal cleansing and the removal of compromised figures, any criticism from the opposition sounds hollow, and citizens perceive it as the same old power game.
Consequence: Many citizens abstain from voting, young people emigrate, and democratic participation falls. This creates a vacuum that long-term government monopolizes, while the opposition loses all moral authority.
Corruption and Obstacles Created by the Opposition Itself
Corruption has become systemic. It is no longer an isolated scandal but part of everyday state life. The government abuses public tenders, concessions, and funds—but the opposition is often no cleaner.
Its leading figures, accused of personal gain, clientelism, and abuses of power, obstruct any real action. This weakens the opposition’s credibility and makes it appear part of the same problem.
Reason: Without opposition support, institutions fighting corruption—like the independent prosecution office—remain isolated. Investigations stall, scandals are covered up, and justice fails to function.
Consequence: Citizens lose hope, corruption recycles itself, inequality grows, and society loses trust in any real alternative.
Moral and Political Cleansing: A Vital Condition
An opposition that does not reform cannot change the state. Moral and political cleansing is essential:
Removing compromised figures who have lost elections and public trust;
Opening parties to younger generations and honest professionals;
Ensuring full transparency within party structures;
Focusing on concrete policies for citizens rather than empty rhetoric.
Reason: Only a clean and credible opposition can restore citizens’ hope and become a partner of justice. Without this step, any promise of change remains an illusion, and today’s power goes unchallenged.
Supporting Independent Institutions
Today, the independent prosecution office is the only body acting effectively against corruption and abuse. It has uncovered major scandals, pursued high-ranking officials, and proven that justice can work. But it has its limits:
Without opposition support, any investigation risks stalling;
Without concrete action from the opposition, citizens lose hope that justice can function;
Support must be more than rhetorical—it must be concrete: laws protecting investigations, respect for rulings, continuous oversight.
Reason: Without cooperation from the opposition, real justice institutions are isolated. The prosecution alone is not enough; citizens must feel that politics and justice are allies in cleansing the system.
The Way Forward: Action, Vision, and Hope
The opposition can win citizens’ trust and save democracy only if it:
Undertakes moral and political cleansing, removes compromised figures, and opens doors for young people;
Supports institutions fighting corruption, integrating them into its political vision;
Proposes concrete policies addressing poverty, inequality, and justice, not empty rhetoric;
Transforms from critic to engine of change, showing that politics can serve society rather than privileges.
Only then will citizens feel that change is possible, that justice works, and that power can serve the public interest.
Conclusion: The opposition should not merely criticize; it must be an ally of justice, a reforming force, and a symbol of hope for the majority. If it does not dare to change itself and support independent institutions, power remains out of reach, and democracy will always be weak. But if it acts decisively, Albania can see a real alternative and move forward in all aspects—not excluding its citizens from opportunities such as US immigration visas.
