Albania has officially taken a significant step onto the international political stage after its Parliament approved the country’s accession to the Peace Board Agreement, following a direct invitation from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision was ratified with an overwhelming 110 votes in favor, including votes from the opposition, marking a rare moment of parliamentary consensus amid Albania’s often polarized political climate.
The agreement was approved after a fast-tracked parliamentary session, requested by the ruling Socialist Party (PS), to formalize Albania’s participation in the Peace Board—an international initiative linked to diplomatic efforts surrounding global peace and stability, with particular reference to the Gaza context.
Parliament Approval and Political Dynamics
Notably, no votes were cast against the agreement, demonstrating broad institutional support for Albania’s involvement. However, political unity ended there. The parliamentary majority rejected three amendments proposed by the Democratic Party (PD), submitted by MP Gazment Bardhi, which sought changes to Albania’s role and conditions within the Peace Board Agreement.
These amendments were voted down with 78 and 79 votes against, reinforcing the dominance of the ruling majority and highlighting ongoing political friction. Despite the rejection of the amendments, the final vote on the agreement itself passed comfortably, securing the required parliamentary majority.
At the conclusion of the session, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi officially closed proceedings amid applause from attending MPs, underscoring the symbolic importance of the vote.
Edi Rama’s Speech: Irony, Mockery, and Political Messaging
Prime Minister Edi Rama used the parliamentary floor not only to defend the agreement but also to launch a sharp and ironic attack on the opposition. In a speech filled with sarcasm and political metaphors, Rama claimed that the gap between the ruling majority and the opposition was growing wider by the day.
“The distance between the caravan and the opposition keeps increasing,” Rama said, adding that the opposition serves only to remind Albanians of what he described as the “island of shame,” while the Socialist Party, according to him, is leading the country toward the ambitious vision of “Albania 2030.”
Rama emphasized Albania’s growing international credibility, economic development, and diplomatic recognition, suggesting that criticism from the opposition only reinforces the government’s forward momentum.
Mocking Claims and the SPAK Irony
The Prime Minister also mocked a series of claims made by opposition figures, including allegations that Albania would have to pay $1 billion to join the initiative, that millions of Palestinians would be relocated to Albania, or that U.S. military helicopters would land at the Prime Minister’s Office to arrest him.
In one of the most controversial moments of the session, Rama sarcastically suggested that the opposition should also send the Peace Board initiative to SPAK, Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure, reinforcing his narrative that opposition accusations have become repetitive and exaggerated.
Rama further joked that opposition pressure had forced him to be “accepted for free” into the Peace Board, turning alleged scandals into what he framed as political victories.
Democratic Party and Berisha’s Response
Opposition leader Sali Berisha responded forcefully, rejecting any comparison between himself and Rama, stating that “there is nothing more incomparable.” Berisha accused Rama of acting as a legal defender for Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who faces accusations related to public procurement and tender equality violations.
Berisha revisited historical precedents, referencing negotiations involving Fatos Nano and Silvio Berlusconi over development projects on Sazan Island, arguing that past initiatives were economic in nature and halted due to the global financial crisis—unlike what he described as Rama’s current efforts to evade justice.
In a direct challenge, Berisha called on Rama to remain in his office during the planned January 24 national protest, framing it as a test of political accountability and public legitimacy.
Albania’s International Positioning
Despite internal political clashes, Albania’s accession to the Peace Board represents a notable diplomatic milestone, reinforcing the country’s alignment with Western partners and its ambition to play a more visible role in international affairs.
Supporters argue that participation strengthens Albania’s global profile and confirms its growing relevance in geopolitical initiatives, while critics remain skeptical, questioning transparency and long-term implications.
The ratification of the Peace Board Agreement has once again highlighted Albania’s complex political landscape—where international diplomacy, domestic rivalry, irony, and sharp rhetoric intersect. While Parliament spoke with unity in the final vote, political divisions remain deep, setting the stage for continued confrontation as Albania navigates both internal reforms and external ambitions.
What is certain is that Albania’s role on the international stage is expanding, and how this participation unfolds may shape political narratives well beyond the walls of Parliament.