Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared insights in an interview with Italian media outlet “Il Giornale.” He addressed the immigration agreement with Italy and commented on the U.S. elections taking place today.
Rama, 60, who has had a diverse career as a former national basketball player, painter, professor, journalist, and politician, remains actively engaged in art exhibitions despite his political commitments. He served as the mayor of Tirana for three terms .
Fluent in Italian and an admirer of the country, Rama signed an agreement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to establish an Italian repatriation center in Albania.
When questioned about the stalled immigration operation in Albania due to judicial intervention, Rama stated that the government has no responsibility for executing the agreement beyond granting total availability through the concession of Italian jurisdiction in the centers.
Addressing concerns about whether there are forces plotting against Meloni’s government, he emphasized that he cannot judge the domestic affairs of a sovereign democracy like Italy.
Rama also said that data show Meloni’s government is achieving significant results in managing immigration, with landings down by a third compared to the previous year. He argued, however, that the broader immigration issue requires a cohesive European strategy, addressing both border control and demographic challenges.
On the topic of illegal immigration, Rama believes combating human trafficking is essential for ensuring collective security while simultaneously opening legal immigration channels to support the workforce needed for a shared economy.
He expressed skepticism regarding leftist criticisms of the right-wing government, stating that terms like “left” and “right” have become problematic, often used as attack vectors rather than frameworks for addressing the real challenges facing society.
Rama also stressed the importance of strategic political reflection, lamenting the decline of deep political thought in today’s fast-paced world. He warned that within democratic societies, the focus on immediate tactical responses often undermines long-term strategic planning.
Discussing the current geopolitical landscape, Rama noted the growing challenges in Europe, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine, and expressed concerns that the situation may worsen before it improves.
