Other threats to Albanian journalists by PM Rama, Tirana, 08-09.05.2025

Translations: Tirana 

In two high-profile interviews on 8 and 9 May 2025 at national television channels (Top Channel and TV Klan), just days before Albania’s general elections on 11 May 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama displayed open hostility toward journalists Fatjona Mejdini, Mirela Milori, Neritan Sejamini, and Robert Rakipllari. Across both appearances, Rama responded to critical questions with visible arrogance, personal insults, and repeated dismissiveness. He interrupted and belittled journalists on air, and at times outright refused to answer. The SafeJournalists Network notes these incidents with deep concern, as they reflect a broader pattern of disregard for media freedom and an aggressive posture toward independent journalism during a highly sensitive pre-election period.

On the night of 9 May, Rama appeared on TV Klan’s political talk show Opinion (hosted by Blendi Fevziu) alongside two of his ministers and two young parliamentary candidates, responding to questions from a panel of journalists. The exchange quickly became heated, as Rama adopted an abrasive and mocking tone throughout the program.

Dismissive to Journalist Mirela Milori:

When journalist Mirela Milori challenged him on social policies (specifically pension reforms), Rama mocked her understanding of the issue. He interrupted her with a derisive “ashtu, ëëë” sound (mimicking her) and snapped, “What do you know about pensions?”. His demeanor was so confrontational that host Blendi Fevziu intervened, telling the Prime Minister, “Don’t intimidate the journalists.” Rama’s sarcastic dismissal of Milori’s question exemplified his arrogant stance. 

Intimidating Responses to Journalist Fatjona Mejdini:

During the interview, Prime Minister Rama’s demeanor toward Fatjona Mejdini turned openly dismissive, arrogant, and at times aggressive, questioning her role as a journalist and her expertise. Mejdini pressed Rama on the issues of incinerators, asking, “Where are the incinerators?”, referring to the missing facilities at the center of the corruption affair. Rather than provide an answer or clarify the status of the projects, Rama reacted with a derogatory remark. He snapped back, “Honestly, this is animalism,” likening the line of questioning to animalistic behavior [here]. The choice of words was strikingly harsh, effectively insulting the journalist (and the panel) for persisting with the inquiry. Despite Rama’s dismissive outburst, Mejdini continued to seek an answer. She cited a concrete example, the situation at the Sharra landfill, to illustrate the problem, stating that “Waste is not treated” there under the current circumstances. This was an attempt to refocus the discussion on facts and accountability. However, Rama still refused to engage with the substance of her comment. Instead, he derailed the conversation with a sarcastic aside directed at the show’s host, Blendi Fevziu. In a tone of exasperation, Rama remarked: “Fevzi, did you give them something to drink?” [here]. This remark was openly scornful and mocking.

After the interview, Fatjona Mejdini made a public statement highlighting the seriousness of Rama’s ongoing behavior:

“During the past five years, I’ve had multiple encounters with Prime Minister Rama on the ‘Opinion’ program. Each time, his approach toward me and my colleagues has been consistently marked by intimidation, bullying, street-level language, and evasion of accountability. Yesterday’s final broadcast reached new heights of hostility. The Prime Minister refused to answer any question directly, labeling us as uninformed, incapable of asking questions, and even questioning our very right to be in that studio.”

Dismissive and mocking towards Neritan Sejamini, a senior analyst and talk show host.

As he pressed the Prime Minister on the incinerator scandal, Rama repeatedly waved away his points instead of answering directly. He characterized the facts presented by the panel as “half-truths” and “folklore,” denying any wrongdoing. For example, when confronted with evidence that large sums had been spent with no incinerators built, Rama flatly responded, “It’s a big lie… This is folklore,” dismissing the allegations out of hand. This dismissive attitude set the tone, as Rama appeared unwilling to engage substantively with the questions, instead suggesting the scrutiny was exaggerated or unfounded. Rama also sparred with analyst Neritan Sejamini over Albania’s EU integration progress. When Sejamini challenged Rama’s claim that all EU negotiation chapters could be closed by 2027, the Prime Minister grew visibly irritated. He spoke down to the journalist, suggesting Sejamini was uninformed. Rama, visibly irritated, responded by openly questioning Sejamini’s credibility and motives, sharply stating: “Why did you come here? Just to disrupt?” (Original Albanian: “Përse ke ardhur këtu? Për t’i rënë këmbës?”). This derogatory remark implied that Sejamini’s questions were merely disruptive rather than substantive, effectively dismissing the legitimacy of journalistic inquiry and suggesting an intent to undermine the journalist’s professional role [here].

Confrontational stance with Robert Rakipllari:

Rama’s confrontational stance toward the media was equally evident in a media appearance on May 8, 2025, in an interview broadcast on Top Channel, he clashed with another journalist and Director of Information of Top Channel (Robert Rakipllari) when pressed about Albania’s slow EU accession progress. The discussion degenerated after Rakipllari insisted the real test was “who will close the chapters” of EU membership, citing Montenegro’s difficulties. Rama lost his temper and resorted to insults. He openly berated the journalist, saying: Edi Rama: ‘I don’t have the nerve right now to explain elementary things to you… Leave me alone, I’ll finish. Don’t insist on your stupidity now, you’re driving me crazy. Say something stupid and stay there. Insist on your stupidity.” [here]. Such language goes beyond normal political sparring – it is a clear instance of verbal bullying and intimidation.

Targeting a journalist with ridicule and hostility, instead of providing answers, undermines media freedom at a critical moment for the public’s right to know. The incident underscores the need for Albania’s public officials to respect journalists’ questions and refrain from insult or intimidation, especially during an election period when transparent discourse is paramount.