"13 years in power, Albanians without electricity and water"/ Rama loses patience with journalist, abandons interview

The citizen protest and the project in Zvërnec have clashed between Prime Minister Rama and Top Channel journalist Sidorela Gjoni.

When asked how the agreement on Zvërnec was reached, Rama addressed the journalist, saying that he was mocking the public and public opinion for the way he was handling the issue. The prime minister, whose resignation has been demanded by citizens for 13 days, even told the journalist that he should apologize to the public.

Gjoni countered Rama by saying that he is the one who should apologize to the Albanians for having deceived them for 13 years, leaving them without drinking water and electricity. The Prime Minister, under these conditions, decided to abandon the interview.

DEBATE:

Rama:  Here we are in a situation that has rightfully erupted from an act of outrage in its barbarity, and then continued with real concern for environmental issues and has transformed into a protest to overthrow the government. If I were to do what they are doing up and down and echoing on the screens, I too would be revolted and would be protesting. If I were interested in the environment, I would protest for the environment.

Journalist: Who did you entrust with the control?

Rama:  I don't need to entrust control of the situation to anyone; politics has done its duty and they have done it in a way that deserves respect.

Journalist: I wanted to know the reaction, how you brought the situation under control...

Rama:  Citizens are free to do whatever they want as long as they respect the safety and tranquility of others.

Journalist: One video that went viral was an interview with Ivanka Trump explaining how she first met Zvërnec. Was the negotiation that simple?

Rama:  You're kidding. Who are you kidding? Yourself, the public, the country, who are you kidding? When you say "it was that simple", what is this? Who are you kidding? The people who follow you and get informed? Or are you kidding yourself?

Journalist: The interview is viral and the lady tells how she "fell in love" with Zvërnec.

Rama:  You didn't say that. You said "it was that easy". What did he get? Who did he get?

Journalist: Zvërnec to invest.

Rama:  How did you get it? In what form? I have to test you...

Journalist: Not me, Albanians.

Rama:  You're raising a stupid question in the air and I have to explain that it didn't get it. What you're doing to Albanians and those who are protesting is scandalous.

Journalist: Is her interview stupid?

Rama:  If the lady in question had taken the island, a process would have had to have taken place, because in Albania, regardless of how the collective imagination works, islands cannot be given and taken secretly. There is no way this could happen. Today we do not have a conclusion with Sazan, as we are negotiating. You and many like you do not care about the truth.

Journalist: We care, you say I'm talking nonsense.

Rama:  I listened carefully to what you are asking and my question is massive stupidity.

Journalist: There are no naive questions. I'm looking for an answer to what the lady is saying.

Rama:  Thank you very much for the opportunity… I thought it would be interesting for people to listen. You are not interested in people listening. Now I will speak.

Journalist: I'll ask the questions.

Rama:  You abused your right. You owe a public apology to those who follow you.

Journalist: I owe no apology because I have never blamed the Albanian people for any of my decisions. I have never worked in the state. Someone who has been in power for 13 years and says that it will take a little longer to have 24-hour electricity and water should apologize.