PM Rama on Top Story: “I didn’t fire any Minister. Elections determine Albania’s future”

When asked by journalist Balla about the real reasons behind the decision to fire such important government figures, giving this way the impression that the Socialist Party’s leadership of the country was crumbling, Rama said that he didn’t fire anyone. On the contrary, Minister Saimir Tahiri did an excellent job, same as all the others.

But the decision to replace him was taken so that Tahiri could focus on the campaign. For Rama, this decision underlines how important these elections are for the country: “It’s not just about who will win the next term. It is about what Albania will become for the next 10 years. These elections will determine if the rule of law will be established in this country. Will determine if we will have a country where judges and prosecutors give justice, rather than trading favors, so that our children can have a better future”, Rama said.

The Prime Minister added he was very proud of his cabinet, especially for the fact that for the first time in history, female Ministers made half of the staff, a detail which Rama says should not be forgotten.

Sokol Balla: “You promised to the Albanian people years ago that your Ministers would complete their mandates. You owe them an explanation why you let Minister Saimir Tahiri go exactly when the opposition was asking for his resignation?

PM Edi Rama: “Tahiri was never removed for the attacks from the opposition. He has been the most targeted Minister. There have been more than 1400 press releases and social media attacks launched by the Democratic Party against him, and he has not been removed from his duty for that. And they are not asking Tahiri’s resignation today, inside that tent. They want a technical government. The four Ministers were relieved from their duty to tell and show to our people why we need another government term.

Sokol Balla:  “But what is the difference between Tahiri and Damian Gjiknuri? (Minister of Energy, also MP of the Vlore District).

PM Edi Rama: “It is not the same thing. Gjinkuri has done a good job in Vlore and at the Ministry. If he cannot handle it, he should be replaced tpp.

Sokol Balla: “So, there could be other government changes?”

PM Edi Rama: “We need to talk to the Albanian people directly, meet with them at every corner of our country, through these people who have been protagonists of our progress. The Foreign Minister and the Minister of Education are too busy with important matters, such as the NATO summit.

Sokol Balla: “Then why aren’t you the first one to resign, so that you can go on terrain and meet with the people?

PM Edi Rama: “I am leader of the party, not of a district. I have my constitutional term as Prime Minister which I can carry ahead very well. These Ministers are being replaced and their posts are not vacated. SP must be on terrain today, and this is the only reason behind this decision.

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