Video/ Asked about the protests, Rama gets tense and attacks the CNN journalist: The fact that you are Greek...

A tense debate took place during a panel at the Future Investment Initiative World Forum, where Prime Minister Rama was also present, clashing with CNN journalist Eleni Giokos.

During the discussion on foreign investments on the Albanian coast and their impact on the environment, the head of government did not hesitate to label CNN as a biased source, also focusing on the moderator's Greek origin to explain her approach.

Asked directly by the journalist whether the land has already been purchased by investors, Rama confirmed this fact, stating that there is no reason for concern on the part of environmentalists.

Despite warnings raised by the European Commission regarding respect for environmental rules and claims of protests by citizens, the Prime Minister expressed his conviction that the majority of the Albanian people and the local community itself strongly support this development.

The most unusual moment of the clash came when Rama, in ironic tones, invited the journalist to visit Albania to "kiss the birds."

DEBATE:

Journalist: Thank you for that context. We're out of time. I'm going to ask you a few quick questions, yes or no. Has the land already been purchased by investors? Has the land already been purchased by investors?

Rama: Listen, don't go there, because now you're reminding me that you're from CNN. And I'm sorry to say it, but from this I learned the hard way that you are not an objective source. But the fact that you are Greek makes me feel obligated not to go there. So, yes, the land has been bought by investors. Yes, it is private land. Yes, the environmental impact assessment is being done. Yes, there is still no approved project. Yes, there is still no building permit. Yes, there is nothing that should worry any right-thinking environmentalist. And yes, Albania will move forward. And Albania can only save Europe in one thing: if social networks continue to be treated freely, Europe will collapse from within. And then the shields against missiles and shells will be worthless, because there will be nothing left to protect.

Journalist: Prime Minister, very quickly. The EU Commission says that environmental rules must be respected and is issuing warnings. You also have the issue of protests. How will you change the message to resonate with the protesters and make sure that the European Commission is on your side?

Rama: I have news for you. The majority of the Albanian people want the project. The location where the project will be built is a city that is overwhelmingly looking forward to this project, and there are no protests. The community where the project will be developed wants it. So, what you see is not exactly what is happening. The strong reaction exists, I understand, but when it dies down, and when I send a very special invitation to CNN to come to the inauguration, everyone will be happy. And I am sure that it will be a great opportunity for CNN to “save its reputation”.

Journalist: "To save his reputation?"

Rama: Yes, to save the reputation. You need a reputation cleanup. You need a reputation cleanup towards Albania, towards the Albanian people, and even towards the birds. You need a moment of cleaning. Because the birds, the waters, the trees and everything will be much better than today. The project aims to bring 25% more greenery than it currently has. Today the waters of the lagoon are infectious, and we will have a completely different system to clean them again. As you say in the United States, “clean it up again”, not “make it great again”. Thank you.

Journalist: Thank you for clarifying all of this. Thank you for clarifying.

Rama : No, I thought you were thanking me for the invitation.

Journalist: Are you inviting me? I don't know. But listen, our job is to ask questions and...

Rama: Yes, yes, of course.

Journalist: And of course your answers are always welcome. We're out of time...

Rama: Listen, the problem is not the questions. The problem is the interpretation (spin). And I will always say this because I have not had the opportunity to say it before. I was invited to CNN, I gave an interview. And those who think differently have had their time. But for the presenter who invited me as a guest to publish on her profile an insulting, not critical, but insulting statement towards me, is something unacceptable. Therefore, I think that Albania owes this “lost soul” the opportunity to come, kiss the birds and be redeemed. And we will do that. Thank you.

Journalist: I understand you are talking about my colleague. Our job is to ask questions and we always appreciate it when you answer. It is an important moment. Your Excellency…