Mehdi Malkaj Calls for Unity: We Have a Mother and Father, Yet We Have Been Left Orphans; Politics Seeks to Divide Us

Speaking at the protest held outside the Prime Minister’s Office, actor Mehdi Malkaj appealed to Albanians to unite, while condemning the country’s political and regional divisions.

According to Malkaj, Albanians should not be categorized as northerners and southerners, as the entire territory of Albania belongs to the same homeland. He said the people had been reduced to a sorry state, while noting that the word “fatherland” is used in the North and “motherland” in the South. “We have a mother and a father, and yet we are orphans,” the actor declared.

During his speech, Malkaj also criticized those who do not join the protests but stay at home and voice their opinions from there. He asked where they were, called them “pathetic people” and questioned whether someone who sits at home with their legs crossed and offers opinions can be considered an intellectual.

The actor called for Albanians across the country, from Konispol to Tropojë, to unite. He stressed that there is no North-South divide and described it as a despicable political tactic aimed at dividing citizens.

Malkaj also greeted his old friends from the Alliance for the Theatre, who, he said, have taken part in the protests since the first day.

In closing, he addressed young men and women, saying that Albania had been left to them in this condition. He then fiercely attacked Prime Minister Edi Rama, calling him a “scumbag” and saying that he must first be put in his place. Malkaj described Rama as Albania’s greatest enemy, declaring that the country had never seen a greater enemy than him.