Not all the panels of the Diaspora Summit in Tirana have been without tension, as direct criticism from diaspora representatives has been articulated during the discussions. One of the most critical voices was that of Eva Baçi, an Albanian living and working in Bologna, who raised the concern that, despite the desire to return and contribute to Albania, there is a lack of real spaces for inclusion. During the panel, which was attended by Niko Peleshi and Taulant Balla, she expressed that such organizations often remain at a declarative level and do not reflect the true voice of the diaspora. Baçi criticized the fact that participants from the diaspora do not get the floor enough, emphasizing that they are the “main actors” of this summit and not simply listeners of political speeches.
She added that many Albanian professionals abroad, despite their high qualifications, feel unrepresented and unsupported by institutions in Albania. According to her, the diaspora is often treated more as a statistic than as a real potential for the country's development.
In her speech, Baçi emphasized the sacrifices of emigrants and the lack of support from the state, calling for concrete opening of doors for those who want to contribute. "The desire to return to Albania is very great, so we participate in the Summit because we are waiting for an open window from the motherland, to return, to open the door for us. The script is written very beautifully, like that director who writes very beautifully, we hear the narratives, but the main actors that are the Diaspora are missing. This is the Diaspora Summit. I think that apart from the opening that the floor should be given to the minister, the prime minister and the president, the main actors are us. I wanted to have a discussion and I was not given the right to speak. We need to finish these beautiful films, so that we can only listen", said Baçi.
In conclusion, she also had a direct message for Albanian politics, emphasizing that leaders are disconnected from the reality of the diaspora and should reflect more on its role and involvement in the development of the country. "I have graduated from 3 faculties in Bologna, I have two specializations. We have asked many times to come and give our contribution. I work 14 hours in Italy, but I can work 20 hours for Albania. I have no place to speak, I want to express what I have, because otherwise we will remain just numbers. I cannot wait for the ticket to come from there to be a number. I was very disappointed yesterday, when the awards were given. On my side is one of the Albanian entrepreneurs who provides work to 350 families and you did not give him an award, Astrit Poti.
You are far from reality, I'm talking about politicians, you are far from reality, you are not close to us. We are without support and when your country does not support you, when you do not contribute to your country. I am more prepared for Italy, but I am simply a foreigner. We want to return to our country. These separate panels are not good. We, the main actors, must speak, bring the problems. Not to listen to politicians, the narrative is very beautiful, but you have no idea what sacrifice means, without any support and no help.
Open the doors, because Albania does not lack brains. You have closed the doors, to all the people who are prepared", said, among other things, the representative of the Diaspora. I have many things, but if I had the opportunity, I would have prepared the discussion. Mr. Taulant Balla, you are the first who is very far from reality. You can pass the vote for another 4 years, but you must leave a name in history", she said.
