Miner takes on Albania's political heavyweights at ballot box

A woman searches for chrome from the scrap in Bulqiza, Albania April 22, 2021. Picture taken April 22, 2020. REUTERS/Florion Goga

BULQIZE, Albania (Reuters) - A national election in Albania on Sunday looks too close to call - but third-generation miner and first-time parliamentary candidate Elton Debreshi won't be celebrating whichever of the two main parties wins.

A native of Bulqize, an eastern town dominated by a chromium mine and where poverty is widespread, the 31-year-old is standing as an independent, and on a mission to defend the interests of a working class that, he says, mainstream politicians have neglected.