Rama Reveals His Five-Hour Sleep Routine: I Am Closest to Giorgia Meloni; My Relationship With Mark Rutte Got Off to a Difficult Start

During the NATO summit held several weeks ago, Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to well-known TikToker Max Klymenko.

The influencer and entrepreneur put a series of direct questions to the head of the Albanian government about several key issues related to his administration.

The conversation was not limited to politics. Klymenko also asked Rama how much time he devotes to sleep, about his connection to sports and the relationships he has built with various European leaders.

The prime minister singled out his relationship with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, while revealing that his relationship with Mark Rutte had been quite challenging during the latter’s time as prime minister of the Netherlands.

Max Klymenko: The Albanian prime minister is supposed to be in this room. He should be here, but I don’t see anyone. Albania has one of the most beautiful flags in the world. Oh, hello.

Edi Rama: Hello.

Max Klymenko: How are you doing?

Edi Rama: Good.

Max Klymenko: If you don’t mind, I just want to ask you a few questions.

Edi Rama: Of course.

Max Klymenko: What do you consider the most difficult aspect of your job?

Edi Rama: Managing not to go crazy.

Max Klymenko: And what part of the job do you enjoy most?

Edi Rama: Accomplishing things that benefit people.

Max Klymenko: How is Albania supporting Ukraine?

Edi Rama: We have made every effort to do as much as we can. Albania is neither a large country nor a wealthy one, but it has stood by Ukraine with every means at its disposal.

Max Klymenko: What do you think is the greatest risk facing Albania?

Edi Rama: Albanians pose the greatest threat to Albania, in the sense that we need to understand how much work still lies ahead and that we must continue moving toward the European Union without stopping. Once we become part of the European Union, we will also be protected from ourselves.

Max Klymenko: Your profession ranks second in the world for getting the least sleep. Only doctors sleep less than politicians. How many hours do you usually manage to sleep?

Edi Rama: The average is five hours, but sometimes I may sleep even less.

Max Klymenko: Which world leader do you think you have the best relationship with, and with whom have you had the most difficult relationship?

Edi Rama: I have good relations with everyone. Perhaps I am closest to Giorgia. Albania and Italy also share a special bond. When Mark Rutte was prime minister of the Netherlands, our relationship was very challenging. Later, however, we became very good friends, and today we share a special friendship. Without a doubt, he is the person who knows better than anyone how to manage Donald Trump.

Max Klymenko: How many professions have you had in your lifetime? Can you mention some of the things you have done?

Edi Rama: I initially worked as a full-time artist, and then I became… Can it be said that I became a politician? I hope not. Beyond that, I have done many things. I played basketball and made it as far as the national team, not because I was particularly good, but because I was tall.

Max Klymenko: Are you happy for the Knicks?

Edi Rama: I no longer follow basketball with the black jerseys off the court. It is no longer the same sport.

Max Klymenko: I see we have to leave, so this is the last question. What advice would you give a young person today?

Edi Rama: When I was a child, I always felt very, very uncomfortable whenever I had to listen to advice. When I grew up, I promised myself that as soon as I became an adult, I would never give advice to young people. I don’t think it is a good idea.

Max Klymenko is a Ukrainian influencer and entrepreneur who lives in London. He gained widespread popularity on TikTok and YouTube through his “Career Ladder” series, in which he tried to guess the professions of people he met on the street within two minutes.

In 2024, Klymenko was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list, while in 2025 he received TikTok UK’s “Creator of the Year” award. Alongside career-related content, he also covers topics connected to business, the economy, brands and global issues.