Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly come to the defense of Albania and its Prime Minister, Edi Rama, following recent attacks on the Italian public television, RAI 3. Meloni's criticism of RAI 3's documentary portraying Albania in a negative light was accompanied by a strong statement expressing regret over the media's stance towards the neighboring country.
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| Screenshot of Giorgia Meloni in a speech before the fans of the "Fratelli D'Italia" party, April 27, 2024 |
In a public appearance, Meloni vehemently defended Albania and Prime Minister Rama. She highlighted the cooperative agreement between Italy and Albania, aimed at establishing two centers for migrants in Albania to alleviate pressure on Italy's shores. Meloni revealed that despite this cooperation, leftist forces proposed excluding Rama from European socialists because he dared to assist Italy by making resources available to the center-right government to aid in managing immigration.
Meloni went on to apologize to her counterpart, Rama, for the unwarranted attacks he faced simply for helping Italy with migrants. She criticized the Italian public television, jokingly referred to as "Tele-Meloni," for its portrayal of Albania as a narco-state. Meloni appealed for solidarity with Rama and the Albanian people, emphasizing their support in the face of unjust criticism for their efforts to assist Italy.
"Instead of thanking him for his solidarity, they've attacked him. Moreover, Italian public TV, Tele-Meloni, reported on Albania, depicting the country as a narco-state. So, please, help me convey to Edi Rama and the entire Albanian people our solidarity after they were attacked just for trying to help our nation," added Meloni.