The engagement of young people in activities that promote participation in decision-making and advocacy is a key condition for their active inclusion in society. This involvement helps raise awareness about the importance of being active citizens in an open and democratic society.
In this context, the Center for European Development and Integration (CEDI), with the support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is implementing the project “Empowering Girls and Boys for a Democratic and Just Society.” The aim of this initiative, which is being carried out in the municipalities of Vau Dejës, Dibër, Librazhd, Pogradec, Maliq, and Përmet, is to empower young people to be a strong voice in decision-making processes.
In addition to other project activities aimed at strengthening youth capacities for participation in public life at both the central and local levels, CEDI, in collaboration with young people engaged in this initiative, has monitored the political programs of the country’s main political parties. The focus was on identifying their approaches to youth policy and gender equality, two key pillars for the development and further consolidation of democracy in Albania.
This report presents the main findings from the analysis of political programs from 2021 and 2025, at a time when the country is approaching the electoral campaign for the 2025 general elections.
As part of the drafting of this report and the comparison of electoral programs presented by political parties during the 2021 general elections, as well as their current political programs for the upcoming elections to be held on May 11, 2025, experts formally addressed an information request to the three main political parties in the country:
a) the Socialist Party,
b) the Democratic Party, and
c) the Freedom Party.
It is important to note that CEDI did not receive any official response from the political parties regarding this request. However, this potential challenge was overcome through direct contact with members of parliament and/or active figures within these political entities.
Through the use of the comparative method, it has been possible to identify some of the shortcomings, similarities, and differences that political parties have in their programs regarding youth and gender equality.
The identification of key findings and challenges to be addressed has been prepared to be shared with the young people involved in this project, as well as more broadly across all social media platforms managed by the CEDI Center. The findings have also been communicated to the main political entities themselves, with the aim of encouraging reflection for future programs.