PD: “Democratic dialogue is being shut down – PS is dodging transparency”
In a strong public statement, the Democratic Party (PD) has accused the ruling Socialist Party (PS) of issuing a centralized order instructing its senior representatives to withdraw from all televised political debates with PD members. According to the PD’s campaign spokesperson, Andi Mustafaj, this tactic is a deliberate attempt to avoid accountability in the final weeks before the May 11 elections.
PD claims that instead of engaging in direct debate, PS representatives are being replaced on air by members of minor parties with no governing aspirations, effectively shutting down meaningful political dialogue.
“This should deeply concern every Albanian citizen. Democratic debate is being denied. Citizens deserve to hear from those who seek to represent them,” Mustafaj declared.
The PD is calling on media outlets to leave empty chairs for PS representatives who refuse to appear and to allow PD candidates to present their platform for a “Greater Albania.” The opposition sees this as a final blow to political transparency and fair competition.
Critics argue that this move by the PS is an undemocratic evasion, reflecting either panic over recent scandals or an unwillingness to engage with political opponents in an open forum. Combined with other controversies surrounding the current administration, the refusal to debate further undermines the credibility of the ruling party in the eyes of many voters.
The incident raises fresh concerns over the state of democratic discourse in Albania, just weeks before a highly contested parliamentary election.