Brussels, 27/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 26 June, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle congratulated the coalition of opposition parties on its victory in the parliamentary elections on 23 June. Hailing the inclusion of European integration at the top of the coalition parties' election manifestoes, Füle hoped that the new government would “vigorously pursue the country's reform agenda in an inclusive manner in order to give the European integration process renewed momentum”.
In Füle's view, “now, more than ever, cross-party cooperation is needed to ensure a smooth transition to the incoming government”. He welcomed the statement from Albania's Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who acknowledged his defeat, describing it as “an important step towards this goal”. “There are many challenges ahead which will demand immediate attention. This is therefore a time for Albanians to look confidently, together, into their European future”, Füle said.
On 26 June, outgoing Prime Minister, Berisha, (Democrat party) acknowledged the victory of the Socialist opposition in the parliamentary elections on 23 June. Edi Rama, the Socialist mayor of Albania's capital, Tirana, and leader of the opposition coalition is due to become the new prime minister. After counting in 99% of the polling stations, the coalition has reportedly won 84 of the 140 seats in the Parliament, as opposed to 56 for the Democrat party. (CG/transl.fl)