Lulzim Basha

Lulzim Basha was born in Tirana on 12 June 1974 to a Kosovo-Albanian mother and an Albanian father. From his mother's side, he is respectively from Mitrovica (grandfather) and Gjilan (grandmother).{{cite news|url=https://www.drenicapress.info/basha-une-jam-nip-kosove-gjyshi-im-eshte-larguar-nga-drenica-prej-presionit-e-masakrave-serbe/|title=Basha: Unë jam nip Kosove, gjyshi im është larguar nga Drenica prej presionit e masakrave serbe|trans-title=Basha: I am a grandson of Kosovo, my grandfather left Drenica due to the pressure of Serbian massacres|quote=Unë jam nip Kosove, gjyshi im është nga Mitrovica e gjyshja nga Gjilani|language=Albanian|website=Drenica Press|date=13 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629145618/https://www.drenicapress.info/basha-une-jam-nip-kosove-gjyshi-im-eshte-larguar-nga-drenica-prej-presionit-e-masakrave-serbe/|url-status=dead}} After attending the Sami Frashëri High School, he studied law at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia as member of the investigation team of war crimes of Serbian forces in Kosovo (1998–1999).{{cite news|url=http://kosovareport.blogspot.com/2005/09/albania-pins-its-hopes-on-youthful.html|title=Albania pins its hopes on youthful government|accessdate=24 December 2007|date=8 September 2005|agency=Reuters|work=Kosovareport}}

In 2000, Basha joined the Department of Justice of the UN administration of Kosovo,{{ref label|status|a|}} UNMIK, first as legal advisor and then as deputy chief of cabinet of the director of the UNMIK Justice Department since October 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.albeu.com/shqiperi/kush-eshte-lulzim-basha/33434/|title=Kush është Lulzim Basha?|trans-title=Who is Lulzim Basha?|publisher=Albeu.com|language=Albanian|date=1 April 2011|accessdate=25 November 2018}} From November 2002 until January 2005 Basha served as special advisor for transition in the same department.

Lulzim Basha is married to Aurela Basha, a Dutch citizen, and they have two daughters, Victoria and Dafina.

Basha joined the Democratic Party of Albania in January 2005 and became a member of the party's leadership in May of that year. He has since held several ministerial positions in Democratic Party-led governments.

File:2008 01 29 albania 600Basha-Rice.jpg in 2008]]

He served as the party's spokesperson during the 2005 parliamentary elections at which he was elected as the MP of Constituency #33 in Tirana.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}} He was then nominated in the Berisha government as Minister of Public Works, Transport and Telecommunications, where he served for two years.

After the 2009 election, Basha was nominated as Ministry of Internal Affairs in the new Berisha government. As Minister of Interior, he implemented all the required criteria for visa-free travel to the Schengen countries, including the modernisation of the Albanian border and immigration police system, the issuing of high security biometric passports and a tougher fight against criminal activity and criminal assets. These steps won international praise, notably by EUROPOL and other law enforcement bodies,{{cite web|url=http://www.ikub.al/LAJME/912020381/Article-Shefi-i-Europol-Me-mbresa-nga-progresi-i-Shqiperise.aspx|title=Shefi i Europol: Me mbresa nga progresi i Shqipërisë|accessdate=25 June 2017|archive-date=3 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903205218/http://www.ikub.al/LAJME/912020381/Article-Shefi-i-Europol-Me-mbresa-nga-progresi-i-Shqiperise.aspx|url-status=dead}} and led to the decision of the EU on 8 November 2010 to lift all travel visa requirements for Albanian citizens effective 15 December 2010.{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/albania/travel_eu/visa/|title=Visa Liberalisation enters into force in December 2010|accessdate=27 May 2013}}

In 2011, Basha was the governing party's candidate for the post of mayor of Tirana. He defeated the leader of the Socialist opposition, Edi Rama, by a very narrow margin (only 81 votes after the recount) in a hotly contested election.

File:Tirana Night View.jpg was reconstructed during Basha's mayorship.]]

During his term as mayor, Basha vowed to lead big reforms in his first hundred days in office, while promising to make the municipality more accessible to citizens and free of political conflicts.{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/lulzim-basha-sworn-in-as-tirana-mayor|title=Lulzim Basha Sworn in as Tirana Mayor|date=26 July 2011}}

His main focus was the development of the new strategic urban plan, to increase investments and employment and solve the traffic problems in the city centre.

A draft was presented in May 2012 and it was considered as very important for the future economic development of the city. It was one of the first successes of Basha as mayor of Tirana, but the plan was opposed by the opposition.

The new Urban Development Plan proposed a number of measures, primarily with a focus on the road network and, to a smaller degree, on sustainable modes of transport. A tramway system in addition to the bus system was proposed and the plan also included the building of a new boulevard in the northern part of the city and the rehabilitation of the Lanë.{{cite web|url=http://www.eltis.org/discover/news/new-urban-development-plan-tirana-sets-direction-road-network-development-albania-0|title=New Urban Development Plan of Tirana sets direction for road network development (Albania) - Eltis|website=eltis.org|accessdate=25 June 2017|archive-date=19 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219110912/http://www.eltis.org/discover/news/new-urban-development-plan-tirana-sets-direction-road-network-development-albania-0|url-status=dead}}

The earlier plan for the Skanderbeg Square was scrapped and a new one introduced. The use of the square by all motor vehicles will be restored through the construction of a narrower road segment around the center of the square including bicycle lanes. The existing green field south of Skanderbeg's statue was extended northward for a few hundred meters, while trees were planted in most places.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

In May 2013 the City Hall launched an international tender for the construction of the capital's new northern boulevard, with a length of 1.8 km.{{cite web|url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=115238|title=City Hall launches international tender for Tirana new north boulevard|first=Tirana|last=Times|date=31 May 2013|accessdate=25 June 2017}} The project was expected to be finished before Basha's first mandate as mayor, but after the 2013 parliamentary election, the new Rama Government cut off most of the funds.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Basha did not run for a second mandate in the 2015 local elections, which were won by the Socialist Party candidate Erion Veliaj.{{Cite web|title = Erion Veliaj takes office as Mayor of Tirana|url = http://english.albeu.com/news/news/erion-veliaj-takes-office-as-mayor-of-tirana/207965/|accessdate = 2015-08-31|archive-date = 1 August 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150801055037/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/erion-veliaj-takes-office-as-mayor-of-tirana/207965/|url-status = dead}}

After the defeat of the Democratic Party-led coalition in the 2013 parliamentary election and the resignation of Sali Berisha as party leader, Basha was elected as chairman of the Democratic Party on 22 July 2013, following the first one-member-one-vote election in party's history.{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/lulzim-basha-elected-head-of-albania-s-democrats|title=Basha Elected Head of Albania's Democrats :: Balkan Insight|website=balkaninsight.com|date=23 July 2013|accessdate=25 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tiranatimes.com/?p=115446|title=Basha elected new Democratic Party leader|first=Tirana|last=Times|date=26 July 2013|accessdate=25 June 2017}}

On 30 September 2014, a national congress of the Democratic Party was held to elect a new leadership.albania-opposition-party-elects-new-leadership In the congress a tough reform of the party was announced by Basha.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}

File:EPP Congress Madrid - 21 October (22176440870).jpg

During his leadership numerous anti-government demonstrations have been held, accusing the government as corrupt and criminalised. In 2015 the Democratic Party proposed a Decriminalisation Law, which led to several months of negotiations with the government. Finally in December 2015, the law was passed by majority in the Parliament, barring people with criminal convictions from holding public office.{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-mps-to-vote-on-decriminalising-politics--11-24-2015#sthash.prp7MD7F.dpuf|title=Albania MPs to Vote on 'Decriminalising Politics' :: Balkan Insight|website=balkaninsight.com|date=25 November 2015|accessdate=25 June 2017}}

On 11 December 2016, during the celebrations for the 26th anniversary of the Democratic Party, party leader Lulzim Basha announced his program for the further modernization and democratisation of the party ahead of the 2017 parliamentary elections.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}}

After previously promising that 35% of the parliamentary candidates would consist of members from the youth movement of the party, Basha now announced a limitations of all mandates of the party leaders to a two-year term, and the full democratisation of the internal election process.{{cite web|url=http://www.exit.al/en/2016/12/11/basha-announces-thorough-reform-of-pd/|title=Basha Announces Thorough Reform of PD - Exit|date=11 December 2016|accessdate=25 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924211906/http://www.exit.al/en/2016/12/11/basha-announces-thorough-reform-of-pd/|url-status=dead}}

On 18 February 2017, members of the Democratic Party and other opposition parties, under the leadership of Lulzim Basha pitched a giant tent outside the Prime Minister's office in Tirana after thousands of protesters rallied to demand free elections and a technocrat government. The opposition protest further escalated into a larger political conflict. The Democratic Party and its allies refused to register to take part in the 18 June general election, until the government accepts their conditions to secure a free and democratic election.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-albania-opposition-protests-idUSKBN15X0OI|title = Albanian protesters rally, pitch tent to demand free elections|work=Reuters|date=18 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/opposition-in-albania-declares-boycott-on-scheduled-june-elections-04-10-2017#sthash.t0ZsiCRh.dpuf|title=Albania Opposition Parties to Boycott June Elections|publisher=Balkan Insight|date=11 April 2017|accessdate=25 June 2017}}

Following the aftermath of the Democratic Party's defeat in 2021, which was considered Basha's fourth defeat in Albanian elections, a portion of the party wanted Basha to resign and replace him with a new leader. On 13 June 2021, the Democratic Party held leadership elections, were Basha won with 80% of the vote against Agron Shehaj, Edith Harxhi and Fatbardh Kadilli who managed to get 15.55%, 2.45% and 2% respectively.{{Cite web |title=Humbi zgjedhjet për kryeministër, por Basha fiton 80% të votave të demokratëve për kryetar |url=https://kohajone.com/politike/humbi-zgjedhjet-per-kryeminister-por-basha-fiton-80-te-votave-te-demokrateve-per-kryetar/ |website=Koha Jonë}}

Following the United States' decision in Public Designation of Sali Berisha, Basha made the decision to expel Berisha from the party.{{Cite web |title=Zyrtare, Basha përjashton Berishën nga PD |url=https://abcnews.al/zyrtare-basha-perjashton-berishen/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |language=sq}} This caused a major split in the party and made Basha unpopular, with many members siding with Berisha and leaving the party. On 11 December 2021, Berisha held an informal congress that voted in favor to remove Basha as leader of the party;{{Cite web |date=2021-12-11 |title=Kuvendi i thirrur nga Berisha, shkarkon Bashën dhe Kryesinë e PD |url=https://euronews.al/kuvendi-i-thirrur-nga-berisha-shkarkon-bashen-dhe-kryesine-e-pd/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Euronews Albania |language=en-US}} this, however, was not recognised by the party, with Basha declaring it illegitimate and non-binding.

On 21 March 2022, Basha resigned as leader of the Democratic Party of Albania, making Enkelejd Alibeaj the leader of the Democratic Party of Albania.{{Cite news |last=Kraja |first=Gresa |date=2022-03-21 |title=Lulzim Basha jep dorëheqje nga kreu i PD-së |language=sq |work=Radio Evropa e Lirë |url=https://www.evropaelire.org/a/lulzim-basha-doreheqje-pd-/31763595.html |access-date=2023-08-05}}

On 30 July 2023, Basha was reelected controversially as leader of the Democratic Party. Prior to the election, Gazment Bardhi claimed that Basha was trying to seize exclusive power in the party.{{Cite web |title=DP Chairman Elections, Bardhi's Sends Case to Court |url=https://albaniandailynews.com/news/chairman-elections-bardhi-s-group-takes-case-to-the-court-1 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Albania Daily News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Analyst: Alibeaj's resignation can bring back Lulzim Basha |url=https://politiko.al/e-tjera/analisti-doreheqja-e-alibeajt-mund-te-riktheje-lulzim-bashen-i482863 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=politiko.al}}{{Cite web |title=Will Lulzim Basha return? Alibeaj reveals how the truth lies |url=https://sot.com.al/politike/a-do-rikthehet-lulzim-basha-alibeaj-zbulon-si-qendron-e-verteta-i590459 |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=sot.com.al}}

On 11 June 11 2024, the Court of Appeals voted against Lulzim Basha's claim on the logo and signature of the Democratic Party, giving it to the re-establishment faction led by Sali Berisha.

As leader of Euroatlantic Democrats, he failed to win any seats in the 2025 parliamentary election.

File:EPP Summit, March 2015, Brussels (16240791684).jpg during the EPP Summit, March 2015, Brussels]]

Basha is a strong supporter of Albania joining the EU.{{Cite web|url=http://tvklan.al/basha-discusses-eu-integration-with-epp-president-daul/|title=Basha discusses EU integration with EPP President Daul|date=5 December 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.epp.eu/press-releases/basha-and-the-democratic-party-of-albania-the-way-forward-for-albania/|title = EPP - European People's Party}}

During the 2017 Albanian parliamentary election he proposed reinstating the flat tax at a 9% rate.{{Cite web|url=http://top-channel.tv/english/basha-in-has-my-first-decision-as-pm-flat-tax-and-reducing-vat/|title=Basha in Has: "My first decision as PM, flat tax and reducing VAT"}} The flat tax was a form of taxation which had been applied by Berisha's government between 2005 and 2013.{{Cite web|url = https://balkaneu.com/albanian-opposition-demands-the-return-of-the-flat-tax/|title = Albanian opposition demands the return of the flat tax|date = 8 August 2018|access-date = 25 August 2018|archive-date = 26 August 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180826005017/https://balkaneu.com/albanian-opposition-demands-the-return-of-the-flat-tax/|url-status = dead}}

In June 2017, Basha met with President Donald Trump during a visit to the US as part of participation in White House Workforce Development week.{{cite news|last=Shera|first=Urim|date=14 June 2017|title=Basha: Extraordinary meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump|url=https://www.ata.gov.al/en/basha-extraordinary-meeting-with-u-s-president-donald-trump/|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=18 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918172802/https://www.ata.gov.al/en/basha-extraordinary-meeting-with-u-s-president-donald-trump/|url-status=dead}}

As the Minister of Transportation and Public Works from 2005 to 2007, Basha was responsible for the construction of the Durrës-Kukës highway to Kosovo, the country's largest public work. In connection to this, in October 2007, the Prosecutor's Office accused him of abuse of power and breaking tender rules and claimed these irregularities cost Albanians more than €230 million. Eventually the court dismissed the case on technical grounds relating to his immunity as the new minister of interior.{{cite book |title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2009 |publisher=Government Printing Office |page=1220 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sD1lq4Mim0sC&dq=%22lulzim+basha%22+%22highway%22&pg=PA1220 |language=en}}{{cite journal |title=Albania-Kosovo Highway Case Kicked Out |journal=Balkan Insight |date=10 April 2009 |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2009/04/10/albania-kosovo-highway-case-kicked-out/}}{{cite book |last1=Elsie |first1=Robert |title=Historical Dictionary of Albania |date=2010 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-0-8108-6188-6 |page=36 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6inIiCF_930C&dq=%22lulzim+basha%22+%22highway%22&pg=PR48 |language=en}}

Only in 2017 Basha asked for his parliamentary immunity to be lifted in order for the justice to conduct a full investigation.

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• {{twitter|lulzimbasha_al}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Besnik Mustafaj}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of Foreign Affairs|years=2007–2009}}

{{s-aft|after=Ilir Meta}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Bujar Nishani}}

{{s-ttl|title=Minister of the Interior|years=2009–2011}}

{{s-aft|after=Bujar Nishani}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Edi Rama}}

{{s-ttl|title=Mayor of Tirana|years=2011–2015}}

{{s-aft|after=Erion Veliaj}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Edi Rama}}

{{s-ttl|title=Leader of the Opposition|years=2013–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Sali Berisha}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Sali Berisha}}

{{s-ttl|title=Leader of the Democratic Party|years=2013–2022}}

{{s-aft|after=Sali Berisha}}

{{s-end}}

{{Mayors of Tirana}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Basha, Lulzim}}

Category:1974 births

Category:21st-century Albanian politicians

Category:21st-century mayors of places in Albania

Category:Albanian diplomats

Category:Leaders of the Democratic Party of Albania

Category:Political party leaders of Albania

Category:Government ministers of Albania

Category:Foreign ministers of Albania

Category:Transport ministers of Albania

Category:Kosovo Albanians

Category:Living people

Category:Mayors of Tirana

Category:Members of the Parliament of Albania