Journalist Almer Toska, who was a guest on the “First Minute” program on News24, commented on the joint conference held by Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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During the discussion, he raised several questions about the way the European Union is assessing recent developments in Albania.
According to Toska, throughout his time in office, Rama has avoided giving direct answers about domestic problems, considering them issues that do not affect the country’s path toward European integration.
He also said that the prime minister has criticized the opposition whenever it has presented the country’s problems to international representatives.
“Throughout the years he has been prime minister, Rama has avoided direct questions. He has called them an internal debate that would not affect the country’s integration. On this point, he has also condemned the opposition and told them that you cannot attack your own country in front of your friends,” Toska said.
Speaking about the protests and the political situation in the country, Toska said that the opposition must clearly understand the European Union’s position. He pointed out that several MEPs have taken part in protests, while, according to him, there has still been no direct statement from Ursula von der Leyen.
“The opposition must understand the EU’s position toward the protests today. MEPs have taken part in the protests, but we have not seen von der Leyen’s official position. We must see what it means for national security and the Agasi-Hyseni duo, the protests and corruption,” he declared.
One of the issues Toska said he would raise with the president of the European Commission concerns the position of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and the allegations made against her.
“I would ask von der Leyen whether the EU, which is the elite and the major table bringing together states with functioning democracies, accepts Albania with Balluku in the cabinet, arrested for corruption, while Rama refuses to let her go. I would ask Rama: Is he being held hostage by Balluku?” Toska said.
He went on to mention claims about Balluku’s involvement in arms trafficking, referring to a telephone conversation that, according to him, the deputy prime minister had with Ron Yeffet.
“Balluku has been accused of arms trafficking. I am referring to the phone call between Balluku and Ron Yeffet,” Toska declared.
