Albanian President Bajram Begaj has begun consultations with parliamentary parties to set the date for the 2027 local elections. His first meeting was with Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla at the Brigades Palace at around 9:00 a.m. Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, led by Tom Doshi, were scheduled to meet him at 11:00 a.m.

However, several other parliamentary parties have declined the invitation. The Democratic Party has refused to attend for a second time, calling the process political theatre. Its parliamentary group leader, Gazment Bardhi, claimed Prime Minister Edi Rama had already predetermined the election date.

The elections are expected to take place between April 15 and May 15, 2027. No political party has proposed a specific date so far. May 9 has been mentioned as a possible option, since Orthodox Easter falls on May 2. Begaj must set the final date by presidential decree within the constitutional deadline.

The Socialist Party has confirmed its participation. Balla has described the consultations as a standard procedure followed by presidents when setting election dates. The Democrats argue that Begaj should instead address the political situation, protests and public concerns.

/a.p./