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German newspaper: Rama's fantasies about towers raise suspicions of money laundering!

Politiko 2025-06-25 19:13:23
German newspaper: Rama's fantasies about towers raise suspicions of money
Illustrative photo

The German newspaper "Die Zeit" recently dedicated an article to the first architecture festival that was held a few months ago in Tirana, where 150 international architects were present. 

One of the main issues highlighted in the article is the numerous construction projects in Tirana, and the surrounding of the center of the capital with multi-story towers.

The newspaper writes that architects from different countries around the world have expressed concerns about who will buy all these towers, and some of them have even raised allegations that they are being used for money laundering.

The article states that while Prime Minister Rama states that "the future of Europe is being built in Tirana" , others see his fantasies about towers as aesthetically pleasing money laundering. 

“The atmosphere during the Bread-and-Heart festival fluctuates between enthusiasm and concern. Among the uncertainties is, for example, who will ultimately live in all those buildings, and how the issue of suspicions that we are dealing with more than just money laundering on a high aesthetic level stands. The hope, however, is that the money invested will raise the standard of living in the city, in one form or another,” the article writes.

The article further emphasizes that over 10% of the total budget must be paid in taxes at the beginning of construction, a higher amount than in other European countries. While it is said that this money goes to the state treasury, the questions arise: Is this a good idea because it expands the financial possibilities of the state? Or is it a bad idea because it allows or legitimizes money laundering?

“They say they want to build a city based on curation (careful selection), not regulation; they want to create beauty, design and technology for people. Albania currently has around 2.5 million inhabitants, of whom 600,000 live in Tirana. The country is constantly losing population due to emigration, while the capital gains. Up to ten million Albanians live abroad – a large diaspora. Another hope is that through the construction boom, money will be brought into the country, which will boost Albania’s development.  This hope is also discussed on the sidelines of the festival. In Albania, over ten percent of taxes on the entire budget must be paid from the beginning of construction – significantly more than in other European countries. This money goes to the state coffers. Is this a good idea because it expands the state’s financial capabilities? Or is it a bad idea because it allows or legitimizes money laundering? The opposition around former Prime Minister Sali Berisha considers the latter a fait accompli, especially after his arrest in February of Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana and a confidant of Edi Rama, on suspicion of corruption,” the newspaper writes.

The newspaper further writes that in Tirana, on the one hand, questions are raised about political economy, democracy and traditions, and on the other, Western architects debate how construction and prestige projects can push forward a country that in many aspects still lags far behind.

“And so, in Tirana and the rest of Albania – especially along the coveted coast – questions about political economy, democracy and tradition are raised on the one hand, while on the other, famous architects from the Western world debate at a high aesthetic level how construction and prestige projects can push a country that in many respects still remains rooted in the past, towards the 21st century. Edi Rama, however, has chosen a contradictory path, which he is pursuing with confidence. Next year the architects will return. In the meantime, a lot will be built – speed is a promise in Albania. The buildings will remain; it remains to be seen what will remain of all the other promises,”  the article says.

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