The Chairman of the Socialist Party, Edi Rama, gave an interview to the Italian media outlet " Corriere della Sera ", a few hours after the end of the May 11 elections.
In this interview, Rama spoke about the reason for the Socialist Party's landslide victory in these elections, Albania's integration into the European Union, the diaspora vote, and relations with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni.
We recall that this interview with Rama was conducted after his election for the fourth time as Prime Minister of Albania.
Article and interview from 'Corriere della Sera':
He wins among Albanians in Albania and among his compatriots abroad, holds the Center-South and almost conquers the North, the opposition's bastion.
Edi Rama secures another four years at the helm of the 'Land of Eagles.' The Socialist Party leader, already the longest-serving prime minister in a Balkan democracy, will be sworn in for a fourth consecutive term in September.
The popular vote - still being counted more than a day after the polls closed - currently gives him an absolute majority of 82 seats (out of 140), but that figure could rise. Sali Berisha takes about fifty with his center-right Democratic Party.
Yesterday evening, after dozens of congratulatory calls, Edi Rama responded to the 'Corriere' newspaper.
-Did you expect such a clear result after 12 years in government?
Edi Rama - Honestly yes, because we worked hard to get there by speaking with facts, clearly showing the main path for the Albania of our children, aiming for a generation-by-generation renewal of the lists, where we also promoted many women and organized the celebration for an excellent team game in the territory.
-Why did Albanians prefer the SP again?
Edi Rama-Because we changed Albania with a clear vision and great perseverance. People are not stupid, as many politicians think, and they know how to distinguish between those who work seriously for the future of the country and those who limit themselves to the rhetoric of defeatism. We also made a mistake that we apologized for. But we never stopped, never hid, never gave up in the face of difficulties and raised an entire nation, making it proud of its name.
-Is this result also a sign that a real opposition is missing?
Edi Rama-I believe that we do not win because the opposition loses, but because Albanians believe in the path we are following together.
-What does the diaspora vote, which overwhelmingly chose to vote for you and your party, tell you?
Edi Rama-It touches me, honestly. Those who live abroad have a broader and more demanding vision. Don't vote out of nostalgia, but out of judgment. It is a vote of confidence from those who left the country, but did not leave Albania. And if the diaspora trusts us, it means that we are transmitting an image that makes them proud.
-Have you spoken to Meloni? Did she congratulate him?
Edi Rama-Yes, she wrote me a message 'from sister to brother'.
-What will you do in the next four years in government?
Edi Rama-We will complete Albania's great European construction site. Our goal is to complete accession negotiations by 2027. In the meantime, we will continue to modernize the country, strengthening the rule of law and the economy, supporting families and making the 360-degree transformation of the country irreversible. Every day, with humility and determination.
-She says Albania will join the EU in 2030. Some experts say later. What does he answer?
Edi Rama - I answer that experts are often right, but they have never changed the course of history.» This is changed by people and established leaderships. I do not make predictions: I talk about objectives and in this case about a common objective with Brussels. And Albania, if it continues to do its homework as it has done so far, will be very ready in 2030. (A2 Televizion)
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