Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan.
Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to protest. However, he said he would have preferred to hear their criticism directly.
“Before coming here, I heard that some members of this community had called for a protest during my visit. Of course, that is their right. But I would have preferred them to be here, facing me, so they could voice their objections and hear the answers directly,” Rama said.
Rama then spoke about political disagreement in a pluralist society. He said differences form part of democracy. At the same time, he stressed that people should express them with respect.
“The quality of democratic coexistence does not depend on how often we agree, but on how we disagree,” Rama said.
He added that people can strongly defend opposing positions. They should still respect one another.
“You can completely disagree and use words to defend your position while the other person defends theirs. But it is one thing to do this with respect for the other person, and another to turn against each other,” Rama said.
Moreover, Rama highlighted the contribution of the Albanian diaspora to Albania’s development. He said emigrants have helped many Albanian families improve their living conditions.
According to Rama, around 90% of Albanian families have benefited at least once from money sent by emigrants.
“Nine out of 10 Albanians have received an education, built a roof over their heads or improved their living conditions thanks to the diaspora, thanks to you and to all those like you who have sent part of their hard work to Albania,” Rama said.
Rama then said the diaspora should offer more than financial support. He described it as a network of knowledge, experience, civic engagement and opportunities.
“The diaspora is not a bank account for the homeland. It is experience. It is a network not only of hearts, but also of minds. It is citizenship and great power,” he said.
He also recalled the first Diaspora Summit. At the time, Rama said, the government wanted to build a broader relationship with Albanians abroad. The goal went beyond nostalgia, memories and family ties.
Meanwhile, Rama pointed to new mechanisms that connect the diaspora with Albanian institutions. He highlighted the e-Albania digital platform in particular.
Rama said e-Albania allows Albanians abroad to access public services without returning physically to Albania.
“Over these 10 years, new mechanisms have emerged. They still need to become stronger and better. Through our e-Albania digital interaction system, people abroad can access Albania’s institutions and offices without having to return. They can do so through the digital mirror on their mobile phones,” Rama said.
At the same time, Rama said the changes introduced over the past decade have produced results. He added that they have created conditions for further development.
“Today, after these 10 years, I come here with the conviction that what we started back then has borne fruit and created the conditions to produce even more in the future,” Rama said.
He also said Albania has changed significantly over the past decade. However, he noted that the comparison with the past no longer satisfies citizens’ expectations.
“Albania today is completely different from what it was 10 years ago in every respect. But comparing it with what it was 10 years ago is no longer enough, because everyone now expects much more, not in the next 10 years, but tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, next month and next year,” Rama said.
Finally, Rama linked the diaspora’s role with the development of a stronger democratic society. He called for higher expectations from public institutions. At the same time, he urged citizens to take greater responsibility and respect different views.
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