Diplomats in the mix? Minister faces questions over PM’s diaspora gatherings

TIRANA, Nov. 11, 2024 — Albania’s opposition has demanded explanations from Foreign Minister Igli Hasani regarding the presence of ambassadors at recent diaspora meetings hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama. The inquiry, raised during a parliamentary discussion on the 2025 budget, centered on the involvement of diplomats at events that opposition members alleged had a partisan tone.

Jorida Tabaku, head of the European integration committee, asked whether the meetings were diplomatic or governmental in nature, noting that ambassadors and Socialist Party officials were present.

Hasani dismissed the concerns, explaining that the meetings were purely diplomatic, aimed at engaging with the Albanian community abroad. “We’re not in an election campaign, and there was no partisan messaging at any of these events,” he said, emphasizing that discussions focused solely on issues relevant to Albania and its diaspora.

Tabaku argued that senior Socialist Party officials, including Blendi Klosi, had attended at least 48 of these gatherings, adding, “Representatives from the diplomatic corps shouldn’t be present at events where lengthy criticisms of the opposition are made.”

Klosi defended the gatherings, noting they were held outside official hours and saying that under civil service rules, diplomatic staff are allowed to attend. “These are events for the Albanian diaspora, not political rallies,” he said, inviting opposition members to participate as well.

After the debate, Hasani updated the committee on Albania’s EU membership negotiations, stating that recent progress could position Albania for EU accession within the decade.