Belgian media: Behind Rama’s reformist profile are allegations of corruption, political influence and pressure on the press, protesters demand the prime minister’s removal

Belgium’s public broadcaster “VRT” has devoted a lengthy analysis to Prime Minister Edi Rama, tracing his journey from his first steps in politics.

The Belgian media outlet has drawn up a full profile of him, including the period when he led the Municipality of Tirana, as well as the fact that he is also known as a painter.

The article also mentions his meetings and visits with world leaders, where he is presented as a charismatic political figure.

However, the piece stresses that behind the image of a reformer and attractive politician lies a leader accused of suppressing media freedom and constantly targeted by claims of corruption.

“VRT” writes that several former ministers in Rama’s cabinet have been accused and convicted of corruption, while Rama himself rejects all the allegations.

In the section devoted to the protests, it says that citizens are demanding constitutional changes, an end to corruption and the prime minister’s resignation.

“But behind that image of the reformer, artist and charismatic politician, there is also a politician who in recent years has been continuously involved in controversy. According to his opponents, far too much political power has been concentrated around his figure.

Media freedom is also under pressure in Albania. Media critical of the government face pressure and Rama has also clashed with the international organization Reporters Without Borders, which has lowered Albania in the World Press Freedom Index.

For years, Rama has also been dogged by persistent accusations of corruption, election manipulation and favoring people close to him.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has also expressed concern about the way the latest parliamentary elections were conducted.

Former ministers in Rama’s government have been accused and convicted of corruption. Rama himself denies all the allegations.

International organizations stress that corruption and political influence remain serious problems in Albania, especially in urban development projects.

That is why it is no surprise that the so-called ‘Flamingo Revolution,’ which began as a protest against a luxury resort in a protected natural area, has turned into a broader movement against the government.

For weeks, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets, on Saturday for the 35th consecutive time, precisely on Rama’s birthday.

They accuse the prime minister of giving priority to foreign investors over the country’s interests. Rama, however, believes that the luxury resort will further strengthen the already growing tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the discontent is no longer directed only against the 10,000-room complex project linked to the Trump family. Protesters are now also demanding constitutional changes, an end to corruption and the prime minister’s resignation,” the Belgian media outlet reports.