Journalist Inida Gjata, also known as Zhaku, appeared in a live segment on Euronews Albania this Saturday to discuss Prime Minister Edi Rama’s anticipated meeting with Albanian emigrants in New York. As a co-founder of the “Albanian National Alliance” party, Gjata raised significant concerns about the financial implications of Rama’s trip.
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| Edi Rama in New York |
Gjata reported that her party has calculated the costs associated with the Prime Minister's journey, estimating that the total expenses could reach as high as 275,000 euros. She suggested that these costs might even exceed this figure, given the various expenditures involved.
“We outlined the expenses for this unusual trip, which I believe has nothing to do with the diaspora. It seems more like a necessary move for him to clean up some funds. The venue ‘Gotham Hall’ alone costs 75,000 euros for the event. The advertising in Times Square amounts to 25,000 euros per day,” Gjata stated.
She elaborated further, noting that the overall duration of the trip is around three days, bringing the venue costs to 75,000 euros. Additionally, there are 50,000 euros in charges for labor, setup, takedown, and production of promotional materials. With charter flights costing 15,000 euros per hour, these expenses add up quickly. "This brings the total to 200,000 euros, plus the 75,000 euros for ‘Gotham Hall.’ So, we’re looking at 275,000 euros just for Edi Rama to go to the U.S. to tell the Albanian community there that he will take Albania to the EU,” she concluded.
Gjata's remarks raise critical questions about the priorities and financial decisions of the Albanian government, particularly in the context of its interactions with the diaspora. The significant costs associated with the trip have sparked discussions about transparency and accountability regarding public spending, especially as the government prepares to engage with its expatriate community.