IRI Albania Poll Finds Strong Support for Fighting Corruption, Desire for Democratic Governance, Economic Concerns

Tirana, Albania – A newly-released Albania public opinion poll by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) reveals strong support for fighting corruption, a desire for democratic governance, and concerns over the economy.
The latest poll found that 76% of Albanians trust the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), an independent judicial entity whose mission is to fight corruption. Fifty-one percent of Albanians say they are less likely to support a candidate or party in an election if they seek to limit the work of SPAK.

The poll also found that 80% believe that democracy is the best form of government. “With parliamentary elections coming up on May 11th, it is a positive sign that an overwhelming majority of Albanians want to see the fight against corruption continue,” said Paul McCarthy, Director of Europe for IRI. “Anti-corruption efforts will enhance transparency and accountability among elected officials and bolster the already strong belief that democracy is the best form of government.”
Additionally, the survey found that the economy remains the highest concern. Specifically, the high cost of living is a main priority for 80% of citizens; the second highest priority is unemployment (45%).

“Our poll clearly shows that voters will be looking for candidates in the spring who can offer ways to bring down costs, create new job opportunities, and increase the standard of living,” said McCarthy.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by IDRA Research & Consulting on behalf of the Center for Insights in Survey Research of the International Republican Institute throughout Albania. Fieldwork was conducted between October 3 and November 2, 2024, through the Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technique, administered through face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes. The sample of 1,200 Albanians was selected via a multistage stratified cluster selection, and the achieved sample was weighted for age groups, region by urbanicity, gender, and education according to the 2023 Census parameters. The margin of error for the mid-range of the full sample does not exceed ±2.8 points at the 95% confidence level. The response rate was 51%.
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