"Türkiye Today": Why does Edi Rama want to create a theocratic state?

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's plan to create a theocratic state similar to the Vatican has provoked a strong reaction among many people in Albania, Türkiye Today writes .

Rama announced his decision in an interview with the New York Times, raising concerns about the lack of public discussion within the country. Albanians learned Prime Minister Rama's intentions through coverage in foreign media sources.

Rama's plan caused widespread consternation due to the ongoing economic depression and demographic crisis in the country, while his proposal is seen primarily as a public relations campaign on the international stage.

Many question whether Rama's plan will address the country's pressing issues.

Rama's controversial ideas about theocratic state 'not new'

Speaking to Türkiye Today, Dr. Mentor Baqa, an Albanian international relations expert, noted that Rama is known for his controversial ideas and efforts, such as his attempt to form a Christian-Islamic political party with a priest in the 1990s.

Why does it matter?

Rama announced that he will outline plans for a new state entity, which will be called the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, with its own passport and borders. Rama declared that the purpose of creating this new state is to promote a "tolerant version of Islam". Albanian experts commented that Rama is engaged in an international public relations campaign before the 2024 elections.

Is it possible?

Claiming to create a "Muslim state" within Albania would be illegal and would be considered treason according to the Albanian constitution and penal code. Article 208 expressly prohibits the surrender of any part of the country's territory to a foreign state or power, which would violate the territorial integrity of the nation. While the wording leaves room for interpretation, the intent is clear.

Baqa stated that such an act is prohibited by law and that Rama would need constitutional changes, which he cannot implement due to the lack of a parliamentary majority.

Bektashis in Turkey react to Rama's statement According to a Serbestiyet report, the Bektashi leadership in Turkey stated: "Following the tradition that has continued for centuries, the head of the Bektashis should reside within the borders of Turkey. The (Rama) project appears to be a trap so that the imperialist states can take advantage of the Alawite faith."

This statement was made by the senior leader of the Bektashi, Haci Dursun Gumusoglu, on the order of the senior leader of the Bektashi, Ali Hayar Ercan.

How big is the Bektashi community of Albania?

The Shiite Sufi Bektashi sect, led by Baba Edmond Brahimaj (Baba Mondi), a former military officer trained under the communist regime, is at the center of this controversy. He took over after the death of Baba Reshat Bardhi in 2011.

According to the latest census, Albania counts 115,644 Bektash citizens out of a total of 2.4 million inhabitants.

Recently, Baba Mondi became the first Muslim cleric to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Albania, a gesture seen by some as serving Israel's interests and reputation. Herzog's visit to Baba Mondi in September 2024 led to controversy and intrigue, especially during Israel's multi-front war and atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon.

Albanian media reported that the alleged territory of the "new state" would be only a quarter of the size of Vatican City, located in eastern Tirana. "Size doesn't matter," Baba Mondi commented.

With elections approaching next May, this could be an electoral maneuver by Rama to secure votes. Although the Bektashi community is small, such a move could attract several thousand votes. There is speculation about the location of this "state" and the ownership of the land, raising concerns that it could be a land grab for development projects to benefit politicians like Rama.

Albanian journalist Elis Gjevori commented: "Looking back, Rama has allowed similar entities to operate inside Albania, such as the Iranian Mujahideen camp Ashraf 3, created in 2017, where the Albanian government does not intervene."

Likewise, the immigration agreement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has led to immigrant camps where Italian law prevails, further eroding Albania's sovereignty. Now, this last plan can be another proof of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Albania" , added Gjevori.

February

The general public sees Rama's plan as unrealistic and useless given the country's pressing issues. It is very doubtful whether Rama can realize the plan he has announced given the legal restrictions and the lack of local support for the plan.