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ZDF: Rama's Albania: autocracy, corruption and international trafficking

Politiko 2025-04-15 15:11:37

ZDF: Rama's Albania: autocracy, corruption and international trafficking

The German public network ZDF has broadcast a critical documentary on Albania and its journey towards the European Union, raising major questions about the country's readiness to become part of the European family, but also about the EU's own readiness to accept a country mired in internal crises and mafia structures.

The documentary begins with the historical context of Albania, which was called the “North Korea of ​​Europe” until the early 1990s – a country isolated from both East and West. Today, Albania has been a candidate for EU membership since 2014, but according to ZDF, its integration seems to be driven more by geopolitical interests than by meeting the criteria of democracy and the rule of law.

"Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union is willing to overlook the clear failures regarding democracy and press freedom in the Western Balkans. The direct beneficiary is the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, his clique and the mafia structures in the country," the documentary states.

ZDF brings the stark contrast between the internationally promoted facade and the domestic reality. On the one hand, Albania promotes tourism by attracting over 10 million visitors per year, but on the other, it faces serious allegations of high-level corruption and government involvement in international drug trafficking.

"At international summits, European leaders praise Albania, but on its streets and in Parliament, citizens protest against an increasingly autocratic regime," ZDF emphasizes.

The documentary closes with two essential questions that challenge the official narrative:

Is Albania really ready for Europe?
And is Europe ready to accept a country plagued by protests, corruption, and mafia structures?

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