"Go directly to Rama and get permission", the testimonies of foreign architects in "The Albanian Files"

The publication of "The Albanian Files" has opened a strong debate on the way architecture and construction have developed in Albania, placing the role of Prime Minister Edi Rama in decision-making for the territory at the center.

Dutch journalist Vincent Yūsui van Gerven Oei,  in an analysis, brings the accounts of international architects revealing a system where major urban and tourism projects are directly linked to access to the prime minister and centralized decision-making.

One of the strongest statements comes from architect Peter Wilson, who talks about an unusual way of operating in Albania: “There are two parallel systems. One is that you make an application to the normal planning office and it is a very long process. But the other option is that you go directly to Edi Rama. And if he likes it, then you get the permit.”

Wilson adds that this situation is seen as a privilege by foreign architects:

“It is an advantage of Albania, or perhaps a privilege that we have as foreign architects, because we can move from working as professionals and talk to politicians who can make decisions alone.”

"One man can make it happen"

Architect Olaf Schmidt, according to the author of the article, describes an extraordinary role of the prime minister in the urban development process:

“Edi Rama is essentially the driving force that makes developers choose certain architects as a condition to build or to build to a certain size.”

He adds: "Rama's blessing is a key aspect there. One person, somehow, can make it happen, right?"

"Rama controls the projects"

According to the analysis, other architects indicate that the prime minister not only has a political role, but also intervenes in the details of projects.

Wilfried Kuehn gives an example: "In Frankfurt, politicians support the bankers and you will have a three-meter lobby. While in Tirana you have a prime minister who supports you and says: we have a six-meter lobby."

While Charles Renfro, according to the author, admits that Rama personally reviews the projects: “Rama actually inspects all the projects personally.”

"This is propaganda"

The article also focuses on the way architecture is used for political imagery.

Matteo Frangi from the 51N4E studio says: “When someone is against you or wants to complain about what you are doing, I can wash my hands and say: look, I called the best architects. Who are you to judge what the best architect does?”

When he searches for the word to describe this strategy, he pauses: “It’s also a matter of… how can you say it?”

The author intervenes: “Propaganda, Matteo. That’s the word you’re looking for.”

"Rama feeds the egos of architects"

The author argues that the prime minister uses the prestige of international architects to create an image of development, while according to him the main beneficiaries are a small group of investors.

The text quotes Sam Chermayeff: “I realized that the whole system is partly related to housing, but also partly related to the fact that Edi brings money to Albania.”

He adds: “They are taking investments from abroad and returning them to finance the state.”

But he also acknowledges the risks. “In the end, there will probably be some ugly things and some urban situations that won’t work. And I hope I’m not part of them.”

"Rama is not like other politicians, he is an artist"

Architect Elizabeth Diller describes Rama differently from traditional politicians.

"What distinguishes Edi Rama from other politicians is that he is an artist. He understands it. He is not much different from people who collaborate in the creation of architectural works."

She calls this “a kind of curatorial strategy that the prime minister brings.”

Author's conclusion

According to the author of the analysis, this evidence points to a system where political power, construction, and economic interests are closely linked.

He raises the question of how a prime minister can have such a large influence over urban projects and territory, claiming that this goes beyond the normal rules of a democracy.