Elisa Spiropali's explanation of Prime Minister Edi Rama's criticism of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs was significantly longer than the direct irony that Rama addressed to Albanian diplomacy. As is rare, the minister appeared at a press conference to publicly clarify the functioning and the need for reform of the ministry she heads.
Spiropali acknowledged that there is a contradiction between Albania's international respect and the internal problems of the foreign service, agreeing with the need for reform of the ministry and the diplomatic corps. She emphasized that in her first 100 days at the helm of the institution, she has noted high expertise within the ministry, but also the need for restructuring.
According to her, the new law on the foreign service, which is expected to be passed by the Assembly on January 28, aims to strengthen meritocracy, promote new talents and open up diplomacy to professionals with international experience. Spiropali also admitted that over the years the ministry has suffered from appointments, lack of promotion and appreciation for meritorious diplomats, creating internal strife.
The minister's lengthy statement was clearly an attempt to soften Rama's criticism, acknowledging the inherited problems, but insisting that Albanian diplomacy is in a process of reform in view of negotiations with the European Union.
