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OPINEWS

Tasteful Autocrat or Mad?

Politiko 2026-06-26 16:23:46

Tasteful Autocrat or Mad?

Irena Beqiraj 

“Our profession has historically been dependent on political patronage, and some dark ideas have recently crossed my mind. What will happen if the socialists do not win the elections? Will this mecca of contemporary architecture suddenly come to an end? Will this seemingly inexhaustible source of work suddenly dry up? Will this army of architects have to lay down their arms as quickly as it was mobilized?
I am not saying this for the sake of saying it, but for us architects it would be better if the upcoming elections in Albania were simply cancelled. I would even go one step further. Since Albania continues to be an enlightened supporter of architecture, our profession would benefit immensely if the country never held elections again and if you, after your fifth consecutive term as prime minister, simply continued as president for life, perhaps even as king.
Major historical events are unfolding as we speak. Autocracy is rapidly gaining ground as the defining form of governance in the 21st century. Hopes for a functional alternative are fading every day. It seems as if we are experiencing the end of the idea of ​​the “End of History”. In this context, my prayer is as simple as it is direct: In a world of autocracies, can we have at least one benevolent and tasteful autocrat?
I know that what I am asking of you is not a small sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice of extraordinary importance. I hope you will consider it.”
This is a mind-blowing letter from
Reinier de Graaf, one of the most renowned European architects and partner at OMA, addressed by the latter to Prime Minister Rama, who does not hesitate to publish it in “Albanian Files”.
Read it carefully! The architect, with sincerity or mockery (it is difficult to find the line between the two in these lines), admits that RAMA is an Autocrat but with Taste. That has turned Albania, the poorest country in Europe, into the Mecca of foreign Architects, into an inexhaustible source of work (and money) that could dry up if the "Autocrat with Taste" were to lose the elections.
Therefore, to reduce the risk of his business, the pragmatic architect asks the "Autocrat with Taste" for a no small sacrifice: canceling the elections and declaring himself king. The Dutchman who lives in a democratic country knows that elections are a functional proxy for governance with limited power and time. Therefore, for the flow of money that is known to come from to continue, "Their Mecca" must be declared a kingdom.
And the "Autocrat with Taste", awakened by delirium, as if to normalize the idea of ​​reigning, publishes it.
I don't know if there is any "Algorithm Strategist" that can normalize madness!
But I know one thing for sure.... that the Autocrat, although with Taste, should not stay in that office for another second!

Tasteful Autocrat or Mad?

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