The “stronger opponent” Edi Rama seeks may already be here

In the 1970s, as literature and movies increasingly disparaged the National Front—Albania’s nationalist, anti-communist resistance movement during WWII—reached its peak, Enver Hoxha grew dissatisfied. He convened a meeting with writers, directors, and screenwriters, criticizing their portrayals of the communists’ opponents as mere alcoholics who offered no resistance. “You think you’re doing the Party a favor,” he reportedly told them, “but instead, you’re embarrassing it. People will think we fought against a bunch of drunkards, when in reality, we fought a bloody war against them!”

Though framed as propaganda, Hoxha’s critique revealed a tactical truth: an enemy portrayed as laughable diminishes the victory over them.

Fast forward to today, Prime Minister Edi Rama seems to echo this sentiment. Hosting a holiday event for Western diplomats in Tirana, Rama appeared to send a similar message: It’s not true that I win because I have no real opposition in Albania, other than a senile old man. A win against a weak opponent carries little weight.

In his remarks, Rama expressed a desire for a "stronger opposition," hinting at his wish to face a worthy adversary to add legitimacy and glory to his victories. Yet, he left unclear who this worthy opponent might be.

If Rama was referring to Sali Berisha, his comments might be seen as an unintended joke. If he meant emerging politicians whom Western diplomats support, his words could be interpreted as a subtle dig at the ambassadors. But if he was referring to SPAK, then his message hit closer to home.

SPAK (Albania’s Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime) is arguably Rama’s strongest—and perhaps only—real opposition. Created through the justice reform championed by Rama and the international community, SPAK has become a formidable force, fighting corruption and organized crime, even within Rama’s government.

The institution has indicted several Socialist Party mayors for corruption and nepotism. While Rama boasts that SPAK’s creation was his achievement, and Berisha labels it an enemy, SPAK’s actions often strike closer to Rama’s power. Judges have, in some cases, lifted measures against Berisha while simultaneously sentencing government officials.

In many cases, the same judge who lifted security measures against Sali Berisha has also handed down sentences to various government officials. While Rama mocks the fragmented political opposition and takes credit for enabling justice reform, it seems that very reform has become the real—and perhaps only—opposition to his power in Albania.

Ironically, Rama may have finally found the strong opposition he claimed to seek—not in those he ridicules, but in the very institution he proudly helped create.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Në kërkim të 'opozitës më të fortë' të Edi Ramës"