"I am myself in sneakers"/ Rama for "Le Monde": Albania speaks to tourists through beauty

2026-01-29 18:10:00, Politikë CNA

"I am myself in sneakers"/ Rama for "Le Monde": Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama conducted an interview with the prestigious French media outlet "Le Monde".

Rama focused on his knowledge of the French language, in which he spoke to the foreign journalist, and on feeling like himself in his style with sneakers, elements that were also noticed by the foreign journalist.

Regarding tourism in the country, the head of government proudly emphasized that Albania is able to speak to tourists who visit it through the beauty that the country carries.

Full interview:

Before night falls in Tirana, I will meet the most famous French speaker in Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama. He awaits me in the garden, in the heart of his offices.

Edi Rama is not a leader like the others. From the moment he enters his office, he realizes that he is not entering the world of an ordinary politician. A basketball hoop hanging on the wall is a reminder of his past as a high-level athlete. Around, colorful drawings, his works, testify to an eternal passion, painting.

The man who has led Albania since 2013 learned French in his youth, during a stay at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.

Since then, this language has accompanied him constantly. Therefore, today I will meet an extraordinary French speaker.

Hello.

Good morning, Mr. Prime Minister.

Prime Minister, before we start the interview, I'll tell you something. I was wondering if I should change my sneakers. Ever since I saw you welcoming the heads of state at the European summit in Tirana, I thought you weren't exactly adhering to the classic dress code. Is this unusual style a way to project a modern image, different from the traditional perception of Albania?

Edi Rama:
No. It's more about being yourself. Otherwise, I wouldn't be myself. Why do I have to change to appear like I'm part of a show? I am me, and that's it. However, things are changing. There are others who are starting to wear sneakers.

Journalist:
Is knowledge of the French language an asset in your function as head of government, especially in international relations?

Edi Rama:
French is no longer the language of international relations. I'm sorry to say it, but that's English. However, speaking French makes me feel truly at home. It's a feeling that allows you to deeply experience a culture that is otherwise lost in English or Albanian. So when we have the good fortune to explore it firsthand, it's something truly extraordinary.

Journalist:
During our trip we noticed a significant increase in the number of tourists, among them many French speakers. How do you explain this great interest in Albania?

Edi Rama:
I am very happy, because finally Albania is able to speak to the French who visit it through its beauty. They admire the country without the prejudices that have long accompanied it in the eyes of the world, of Europe and of France. They discover a European country, which loves France, a beautiful and welcoming country, where religions coexist in complete harmony and where, despite religious diversity, there is a strong unity in European belonging and in the desire to join the European Union.

Journalist:
Mr. Prime Minister, if you had to define Tirana in one word, what would it be?

Edi Rama:
Desire for the future.

Journalist:
What about Albania?

Edi Rama:
Love for others.

Journalist:
Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for hosting me in your garden.