EPP MEP warns Rama: Corruption does not enter the EU, there will be consequences for you

EPP MEP Tomáš Zdechovský has leveled strong accusations against the Albanian government and Prime Minister Edi Rama, stating that Albania's path towards the European Union depends on respecting democratic standards, fighting corruption and guaranteeing free and transparent elections.

In an interview with Syri TV, Zdechovský, who has been part of a European Parliament budget control mission to Albania, said that Brussels is closely following the situation in the country and warned that abuse of power will have political consequences.

The MEP also stated that European institutions are following financial movements related to the prime minister and his family, claiming that there are suspicions of money transfers abroad.

MEP : I must say that I led the final part of the mission to Albania. It was a budget control mission and we have a very clear picture of the situation here. We must say that it is really not possible to continue in this way.

We have been absolutely clear when we said that corruption will never be part of the European Union and Mr. Rama should know that if he misuses power in an undemocratic manner, he will never be able to become part of the European Union.

This has been our clear message, and he has received the same message from the US Embassy and other partners. I also think that pressure needs to be exerted, and you can be sure that the European Union is closely monitoring the situation in Albania.

We are absolutely, absolutely clear in our position. If Mr. Rama does not ensure transparent elections, there will be consequences, especially for him and his family.

Journalist : For him and his family. Agreed. The answer of the MEP, part of the EPP group, Thomas Zdechovský, is that he has been part of the EPP fact-finding mission in Albania and knows the situation very well.

What he tells the prime minister is that abuse of power is something that the European Union will not tolerate. "Forget" - that was the terminology used - EU membership if things continue this way.

But according to him, Mr. Rama has also received this message from international partners and the European Union.

There will be no corrupt Albania in Europe. Albania that will join the European Union cannot have these problems and these forms of governance related to the Prime Minister. Mr. Rama has received a clear message: if there will be no free and fair elections and if the issues raised by European partners are not addressed, there will be consequences for Edi Rama and his family.

Can I ask you, if it's politically correct, to explain a little more what you mean by "consequences for him and his family"?

 
MEP : Because we have noticed that he uses his family to take money out of the country. And we are following the money. I also think that this is a clear message, especially to him, and he will understand my message very well.