Albania faces rising political polarization and civil hatred

Albania is experiencing a phenomenon described as ‘civil hatred,’ where political divisions extend beyond electoral campaigns into daily social life, including families, workplaces, and social media.

This polarization is attributed largely to political leadership. Members of the Democratic Party and the Socialist Party are noted for viewing opponents not as fellow citizens with differing views, but as enemies to be defeated or discredited. The trend is reportedly being exacerbated by newer political parties that utilize similar methods of harassment, labeling, and public disparagement.