Jola Hysaj Speaks After Being Appointed Head of the National Tourism Agency: I Am a Democrat, but Not with the Democratic Party. What Stuck with Me from My Meeting with Rama

Jola Hysaj has spoken publicly following her appointment as head of the National Tourism Agency, confirming that she has accepted the position and responding to the many comments and questions she says she has received on social media. In a message posted on social media, Hysaj expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and said she intends to justify it through her work. “Yes, I have been appointed director of the National Tourism Agency. I am very grateful for the trust placed in me, and I hope to fully justify it,” she wrote.

The former Democratic Party secretary for public relations also confirmed that she had met Prime Minister Edi Rama, revealing the message she said she received from him. “Yes, I met Edi Rama. The words that stuck with me were: ‘I do not want you to become a socialist; I want you to take the institution built by Zana Çela to greater heights,’” Hysaj wrote.

She clarified that her political convictions have not changed but stressed that she is no longer part of the Democratic Party. “Yes, I am a democrat, but I am not with the Democratic Party. I am with the party of tourism-focused Albania,” she said. At the end of her statement, Hysaj called on her followers to respect her decision to lead an institution in a field in which she says she has years of experience.

STATEMENT

Hello, since I have received many questions on WhatsApp from friends, here is my response.

Yes, I have been appointed director of the National Tourism Agency. I am very grateful for the trust placed in me, and I hope to fully justify it.

Yes, I met Edi Rama. The words that stuck with me were: I do not want you to become a socialist; I want you to take the institution built by Zana Çela to greater heights.

Yes, I am a democrat, but I am not with the Democratic Party. I am with the party of tourism-focused Albania.

I hope you will respect my freedom and my decision to take on a new job in a sector in which I have worked for many years.

Everyone is free to speculate and spin conspiracy theories. But those who know me know that I do not mince my words.

That is all I had to say. I thank anyone who wishes me success in my work! As for anyone who wants to insult and curse me, they have my sympathy.