Who is Edi Rama, the rebel and the longest serving prime minister?

2024-07-04 13:55:00, Politikë CNA

Edi Rama

Edi Rama, the country's longest-serving prime minister, celebrates his 60th birthday this July 4. We can definitely say about Rama that he is the most controversial figure in the Albanian political scene. Eloquent, with a unique style and a name that has created quite a buzz in the country.

Who is Edi Rama?

He was born on July 4, 1964 in Tirana, the son of the sculptor Kristaq and the doctor Aneta Koleka Rama. The Prime Minister started painting early in his childhood. As a teenager, Rama got involved in sports, as a professional basketball player for Dinamo of Tirana. He was also part of the national basketball team of Albania.

Rama decided to pursue a professional painting career, continuing his higher studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts. He was also a lecturer at the Academy of Arts.

After the fall of communism in Albania, he was involved in the first democratic movements. He joined the student movement, but soon left. In 1993, Rama decided to leave for France, with the aim of creating an artistic life there. In France, his painting career took off, where he participated in many exhibitions.

Returning to Albania and involvement in politics

In 1998, Rama was invited by the then Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, asking him to serve as the new Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Rama decided to accept the offer, getting involved in politics for the first time.

As a minister, Rama immediately became known for his extravagance in various ways, including his unique style of dress. His new cultural projects, coupled with his eccentric clothing and rebellious political style, helped Rama achieve an unprecedented level of support among the youth, which played a critical role in his election as Mayor. of Tirana.

Who is Edi Rama, the rebel and the longest serving prime minister?

In October 2000, Rama entered and won the mayoral race as an independent candidate. After taking office, he undertook a radical campaign to return many parts of the center of Tirana and the Lana River to their original forms by destroying hundreds of illegal constructions. However, Rama gained international recognition by repainting the facades of Soviet-style, poor buildings in the city. Rama led the largest municipality in the country for two consecutive terms.

While he was in charge of Tirana, Rama also took over the leadership of the SP in 2005, replacing Fatos Nano. Rama came to the head of the government in 2013, winning against Sali Berisha of PD. Since then, he continues to hold power, while the country goes to general elections next year.

Throughout these years, Rama is quite an accused figure. He has been accused of corruption, theft, damage to the country's image, while he aims for Albania to gain ground in the international arena, constantly seeking protagonism in important activities./ CNA