For edi Rama, It is also about the best and worst moments, but mainly for the bestIn May, The prime minister of Albania re-elected for a fourth consecutive termThe The country's gDP has increased by 160% in euros since he took power in 2013. The war in Ukraine accelerated Albania's bid to join the European Union, which had been stalled for years, along with ukraine And other candidate countries. European officials estimate that the negotiations could be completed as early as 2027 and the Albania to become a member in 2030.
At the same time, the albania's population decreased from 2.9 million to 2.4 million during Rama's tenure. The corruption remains widespread and the SPAK, an independent anti-corruption body, has brought charges against several of his close associates. A former protégé, mayor of Tirana, runs the city from a prison cell. There are also accusations that the ruling party used fines and administrative pressure to force citizens to vote for it in May.
“Nonsense,” Rama replies. The tall prime minister, in a black T-shirt, long jacket and red bracelets, is drinking an espresso in a Vienna hotel, where he is due to speak at an international conference. Never before has An albanian leader been so well known abroad.Rama speaks highly of Viktor (Orbán), the right-wing prime minister of Hungary, and maintains good relations with leftists such as Pedro Sanchez of Spain and Metta Frederiksen of Denmark. He has worked with Giorgia Meloni, the right-wing prime minister of Italy, on plan to transfer asylum seekers to camps in AlbaniaThe two governments signed on November 13 in Rome. 16 agreements, from energy to security.
However, Rama is angry. SPAK recently accused the Belinda Balluku, deputy prime minister, for embezzlement in an infrastructure tender. She denies the charges. Rama says he does not know if she is guilty, but strongly condemns the judiciary's decision to suspend her from her duties: "It has never happened before in the history of Europe!"
After his arrest mayor of Tirana on corruption charges (which he denies), Rama tried to remove him from power. the Courts blocked him, forcing the mayor to run the city from prison. rama considers This Situation ridiculous and calls the anti-corruption crackdown “insufficient, excessive or Simply wrong.” but, he adds, It is part of the process. Albania Is building an independent judiciaryIf His associates expect to be saved, they are mistaken: "I am not married to them.".
One reason for rama's stated commitment to The rule of law is the approach to EU accession. However, this requires the consent of all 27 member states. Some doubt that Albania's government is free from corruption. Many on the populist right, however, oppose the entry of the first member state with a Muslim majority for nationalist reasons. Good relations with Orban and Meloni may not be enough. Rama says he is also trying to reach out to the leadership of France's National Alliance, but the party remains staunchly opposed to expansion.
Rama States that he would be willing to temporarily bypass Albania's veto right to EU proposals and to give up Albania's right to have a European Commissioner, if that would help convince skeptics. At the same time, he is building other bridges. Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law) received approval to build a holiday resort in AlbaniaRama Is Also reaching out to the gulf Countries. “Their commitment to culture is amazing,” he says. "As Florence was for Europe in the Renaissance, so they are for the world today"When you're trying to get into a club, it's wise to let it be known that you have other options.
The Economist
