German Catholic Radio: Rama has established a dictatorship in Albania, the arrest of Berisha is a clear indicator

By Markus Schoenherr, DOM RADIO

Suit, colorful tie, sneakers: This is not unusual attire for Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama - even last week, when EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited heads of state and government from the Western Balkans to a working lunch in Brussels.

Rama, an amateur painter and former professional basketball player, likes unconventional things. But his latest project may overshadow all his previous eccentricities: he wants to create a Muslim mini-state in the capital Tirana.

The planned mini-state will be modeled after the Vatican. This has already been announced by Rama and the head of the Bektashi order, Baba Mondi. The Bektashis are one of the most influential Sufi orders in the Balkans, representing a spiritual and fairly tolerant Islam. Therefore, the new state wants to do away with banning alcohol or requiring women to wear headscarves.

"We must preserve this treasure of religious tolerance and never take it for granted," said Rama. The "Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order" will form a "sovereign enclave" in Tirana. There are various information about the area that can cover from 14 to 38 football fields.

The project is seen more as a "smart communication strategy"

"Albanian Bektashis are certainly satisfied", says Christiane Jaenicke, author and expert on Albania. "Father Mondi emphasized in the initial interviews that this initiative would herald a new era of global religious tolerance and the promotion of peace," says the expert.

But observers are skeptical; for example the political scientist Ardian Hackaj in Tirana. He sees it as a "clever communication strategy" in a world at war and conflict. "Here, the image of Albania as a religiously tolerant country is being strengthened", said Hackaj. In fact, he believes that a "Bektashi Vatican" is unlikely to emerge in the near future - "especially if we consider the Vatican's institutional governance, protocols, international recognition and diplomatic influence, or its financial power."

"Known for solo efforts"

Albania and religion - this is a separate topic. In 1967, the then dictator Enver Hoxha declared his country the first atheist state in the world. The priests were shot. Anyone who celebrated Christmas ended up in an internment camp. Should the new theocracy be a form of reparation? Political scientist Hackaj says: "It would be the first known case in which Balkan politicians make reparations".

The Albanian Vatican looks much more like one of the colorful abstract paintings that the amateur artist Rama has painted on the walls of his office. "Rama is known for his solo efforts," says expert Jaenicke. This is also evidenced by the controversial migrant agreement, in which Albania seeks to receive migrants on boats taken from Italy from next month. The opposition and many Albanians are annoyed by Rama's solo efforts.

Prime Minister Rama is controversial

"The people have been fed up with this government", the opposition politician Edi Paloka declared in February.

His Democratic Party accuses Rama of having set up a "dictatorship". A clear indicator is the house arrest that the court imposed on former Prime Minister Sali Berisha on charges of corruption. This year there were massive protests against Rama. There were also clashes in the parliament.

Political scientist Hackaj can certainly see something in the idea of ​​an Albanian Vatican - for example, if the "Forum for Religious Tolerance" contributes to the resolution of conflicts in the region and in the world. The author Jaenicke says: "The Bektashi are really known in Albania for their religious tolerance and have a very good reputation and a long history."

But the shining beacon of tolerance can fail. According to Jaenicke, the project was met with "surprise, skepticism and rejection" among Albanians. The opposition and the Christian representatives suspect a violation of the Constitution of Albania. And according to media reports, the Muslim leadership also rejects a state for the Bektashi minority, which makes up two percent of the population. At a time when there is no religious conflict in the country and dialogue rules, the new theocracy could set a "dangerous precedent".