"Zelensky-style scenario"/ Greek media: Comedian Binaj challenges Rama for Tirana

Actor and activist Florian Binaj's candidacy for mayor of Tirana has attracted the attention of foreign media.

After "Politico" , "Protothema" has also dedicated a special article to Binaj, comparing him to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, due to the fact that he is a well-known figure from the arts who seeks to enter politics to challenge the current government.

According to " Protothema ", Binaj is running "under the symbolism of the Democratic Party", with the support of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, to directly face Prime Minister Edi Rama in the race for Tirana.

Greek media emphasize that the race for Tirana is seen as an important test for the opposition, but also as a signal of possible change in Albanian politics, where new figures from art and civil society are seeking space to influence the direction of the country.

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Is it likely that Albania will see a Zelensky-style scenario in the person of Florian Binai?

The comedian and activist known in his country has announced his intention to run for mayor of Tirana with the support of the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Sali Berisha.

Born in 1985, Binai is known for his roles in Portokalli on Top Channel and as the host of the show Investigativ Piranjat, which focused on corruption and lawlessness in Albania.

He is also, as Politico reports, known for his amazing impersonations of Prime Minister Edi Rama, such as this campaign speech of the Albanian prime minister in Athens:

We are just a month away from the November 9th runoff for Albania's capital, which is being held in a snap election after former mayor Erion Velijai was ousted from office after being imprisoned on corruption and abuse of power charges, which he denies.

The winner of the election will serve the remainder of the four-year term, until 2027, when local elections will be held across the country.

Binai's opponents are former Minister of Education Ogerta Manastirlu, who supports Edi Rama's party, activist Edlira Cepani, and writer Ermal Hashimia.

Tirana is not an easy place for the opposition. The city is considered to lean towards Rama's Socialists, who have won all electoral battles there except those in 2000 and 2011, the latter largely due to manipulations by the Democratic Party against them.

"I believe that my contribution will offer, even if it is for half a term, hope and unity, improving the lives of all residents of the capital," he wrote in a Facebook post announcing his candidacy.

In recent years, Binai has been actively involved in activist movements. In 2022, he was one of the main figures behind the protests in Tirana against the increase in the prices of bread, gas, oil and electricity.

In an interview at the time, he declared that "today we have an anemic and suffocating society, an oppressed and subjugated youth, and a bought elite." 

He also participated in the movement to save the Viosa River (Albanian name for Aoos), one of the last wild rivers in Europe, which is now a national park.

Among the first to support the comedian was Sali Berisha (who also has unresolved issues at the Department of Justice), who called on all voters and opposition parties to support Binai.

In his statements to Politico, Berisha described Binai as "a fearless social activist, a courageous supporter of citizens' demands, especially against corruption both on and off television, and an excellent communicator."

". He embodies, according to Berisha, "exactly what the Albanian opposition is looking for: not only a way to expand its influence, but also a response to the growing need for a clean, youthful and public profile from the cities."

But can a comedian, no matter how successful, manage a city with a budget that now reaches 250 million euros?

The stakes are high for the Democratic Party, which has decided to support a non-political candidate, with no government experience, in a crucial position.

However, the knives have already been drawn: "We are talking about the city administration, not a cabaret show," said politician and analyst Edwin Koulouri, who was in the Democratic Party.