While thousands of citizens protest in the streets and squares of Tirana and beyond for over two weeks against the government and Prime Minister Rama, accusing the latter of corruption, arrogance, injustice and misgovernment, he appears in Switzerland at "Art Basel", the most prestigious contemporary art fair in the world, where he also presents his works in sculpture.
Rama's presence at such an event probably wouldn't spark debate at another time, but when the country is experiencing ongoing protests and strong accusations against the government, every public appearance by the prime minister takes on a different meaning.
At a time when a large part of society is expressing strong dissatisfaction with his government, when social networks, the media and protests are filled with accusations and criticism and demands for resignation, the image of a prime minister who is among elite European art galleries contrasts sharply with the reality of citizens. Meanwhile, the prime minister seems more focused on himself and his international image, than on the anger that is erupting within the country.
More controversy was caused by Rama's response to those commenting on his participation in an art exhibition while Albania is in turmoil. Recalling a statement made about 20 years ago, he wrote that "there is no son of a mother or son of a father who could find a penny in his pocket that was not earned through honest work". This may be a personal defense of his integrity, but it does not respond to the essence of the public debate. The citizens who are protesting are not asking for a statement about the personal morality of the prime minister. They are asking for answers about the way the country is governed, about living standards, about corruption in the administration, about the massive departure of young people, about justice and about the relationship between the government and the citizen. Therefore, the argument that there is "no son of a mother or son of a father who accuses him of theft" is not enough to close the political debate.
Leaders are judged by the results of governance and by the ability to listen to society when it raises its voice. When protests erupt, citizens expect dialogue, reflection and political responsibility, not irony, sarcasm or shifting the debate towards personal issues. Edi Rama in his capacity as a creator has the right to exhibit his art in Basel, but as prime minister he can behave as if nothing is happening in the country, when a very large part of citizens feel unrepresented, desperate or revolted.
When politics and citizens live in two different realities, the problem lies in the lack of communication between power and society. And no sculpture, no matter how highly regarded in the world's most prestigious galleries, can fill this gigantic gap.
