Austrian expert criticizes Rama: For political interests he moved closer to Vučić and sidelined Kosovo

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, commenting on the protests against the project in Zvërnec, said that what is being seen there is a “terrible international mixture” and mocked the participation of people coming from Kosovo and North Macedonia.

According to Rama, among the protesters there are also people from these two countries who go there “to save Albania in the name of Albanians.”

He defended the position that the government should listen to citizens’ remarks and concerns, but without making decisions under the influence of protests, social networks or what he described as “public noise.”

Rama also said that a government should not “hand over the wheel” because of momentary pressure, but should continue on its course even when faced with strong reactions.

It was precisely on this issue that Austrian expert Gunther Fehlinger spoke in a statement to “Bota sot”.

According to him, Edi Rama has become an obstacle to Albania’s democratic development and to its path toward European integration, and therefore, Fehlinger says, the country needs political change and more consolidated institutions.

The expert also believes that Rama has attached greater importance to drawing closer to Serbia and to regional initiatives than to defending the interests of Albanians in Kosovo, North Macedonia and other Albanian-inhabited areas.

In my opinion, Edi Rama has become an obstacle to Albania’s European future. Albania needs a democratic renewal similar to Croatia after the Sanader era, paving the way for deeper reforms, stronger institutions and a credible path toward full European integration.

For a long time, I have been critical of the way Edi Rama has approached Albanians outside Albania. Although he has spoken about national unity, in many cases he has neglected the interests of Albanians in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and the Presheva Valley. Instead of consistently defending their rights and aspirations, he has often placed regional agreements and personal political relationships first.

His relationship with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has often given the impression of being closer and politically more important than cooperation with Kosovo’s leadership. Many Albanians expected Albania to take a stronger stand alongside Kosovo on strategic national issues. Instead, Rama consistently invested political capital in initiatives with Belgrade, while relations with Prishtina were often marked by tension and disagreements, he said.

Continuing his statement, Fehlinger stressed that corruption scandals have dealt a heavy blow to citizens’ trust in the government.

He also criticized Rama’s stance toward Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia who took part in the protests, emphasizing that they have the right to take an interest in what happens in Albania.

Equally worrying are the many corruption controversies that have surrounded his governments. Affairs linked to Arben Ahmetaj, Belinda Balluku, Erion Veliaj and many other senior officials have seriously damaged public trust in the integrity of state institutions. Whether through direct accusations, investigations or broader concerns related to governance, the cumulative effect has been a growing perception that corruption has become systematic.

His recent comments mocking Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia who took part in the protests are particularly disappointing. Albanians from all Albanian-speaking territories have the right to take an interest in developments in Albania. They are not foreigners. They are part of the broader Albanian nation. Mocking their engagement sends the wrong message and deepens divisions where unity is needed,” the expert said.

In conclusion, he believes that Albania needs a new leadership that strengthens institutions, supports Albanians in the region and speeds up the EU integration process, and therefore thinks the moment has come for Edi Rama to leave power.

Albania deserves a new generation of leadership focused on clean governance, Euro-Atlantic integration, stronger institutions, support for Kosovo, protection of Albanian communities throughout the region and completing Albania’s path toward the European Union.

For these reasons, I believe it is time for Edi Rama to step down and allow a democratic transition that can restore public trust and accelerate Albania’s European future”, Austrian expert Gunther Fehilinger concluded for “Bota sot”.