On this day, January 13, 1991, Konstantinos Mitsotakis made history by making the first visit by a Greek prime minister to Albania since the collapse of the Hoxha regime. A visit with intense political charge, clashes in Tirana and unprecedented popular apotheosis in Dervitsani by thousands of minority Greeks.
The journey evolved into two distinct but interconnected acts: the difficult political confrontation in the albanian capital and the moving encounter with the hellenism Of northern epirus, at a time when the regime was in disintegration, but terrorism had not yet disappeared.
Tension in Tirana
In Tirana, Konstantinos Mitsotakis met with the then President of Albania, Ramiz Alia, successor to Enver Hoxha. The atmosphere became tense when the Albanian side raised the issue of the Chams, provoking a strong reaction from the Greek Prime Minister. The discussion developed into a fierce confrontation, revealing the deep wounds and suspicions of the post-communist period.
The Greek delegation was accompanied by, among others, Dora Bakoyannis, Mikis Theodorakis and then-Foreign Minister Antonis Samaras. The atmosphere still referred to a state of absolute control: accommodation in a hotel with hidden cameras, rudimentary infrastructure and intense monitoring of every movement.
During his stay in Tirana, Mitsotakis also received a group of students who had begun the first occupations of university faculties, seeking contact with Greece and support for the timid reform efforts of the time.
The decision for Dervitsani
Despite the reservations of the Albanian leadership, Konstantinos Mitsotakis insisted on visiting the villages of the Greek minority. Citing technical difficulties in landing the aircraft, the Greek side opted for a road trip to the South, crossing rough roads and a country that was at a political crossroads.
In Dervitsani, on January 13, 1991, scenes that were etched in the collective memory of the minority unfolded. Thousands of Greeks from the surrounding villages flooded the square, defying fear and the presence of the authorities.
The reception was explosive. The crowd adored the Greek prime minister, chanting slogans and expressing hope for freedom, protection and prospects. The tension was such that Mitsotakis himself was forced to ask for the booing of the Albanian prime minister to stop, attempting to contain the crowd.
It was the time of mass exodus, when thousands of Greeks from Albania were fleeing the country by secretly crossing the border. The presence of Konstantinos Mitsotakis in Dervitsani served as a symbol of hope, but also as a tacit confirmation that the minority was not alone.
