Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted in harsh, and somewhat strange, tones to the statement of the Home Secretary of Great Britain, who announced new rules to benefit from residence in Britain and the start of the return of around 700 Albanian families who have not obtained the right to asylum.
Rama, who for two years has been boasting about the "model agreement" with London to curb illegal immigration, this time felt disappointed because the British are sending back home precisely those who have gone illegally.
"Quite disappointing to hear the UK Home Secretary citing '700 Albanian families' as justification for resuming returns," Rama writes.
In his reaction to "X", the prime minister criticizes the Labour minister in Britain, accusing her of falling prey to "far-right rhetoric" after daring to mention 700 Albanians living in housing paid for by British taxpayers.
In fact, the Prime Minister's concern is misplaced, as Britain is simply stating what the whole logic of asylum says, if you don't get asylum you go back to your country. But for Rama, this is a serious blow to the "contribution" of Albanians to the British economy and to the London-Tirana partnership.
The Prime Minister proudly reminds the British that, thanks to their cooperation, Albanians almost no longer arrive illegally by dinghy, as if this gave Britain the moral obligation to keep even those who have wrongfully applied for asylum.
And of course, Rama didn't miss the opportunity to remind us that Albanians are "net contributors." So, among other things, the prime minister is concerned that the return of Albanians who entered illegally is detrimental to the British economy!
"Albanians are net contributors to the British economy, and the number of Albanians receiving benefits from the United Kingdom is very low compared to other communities. Continuously singling them out is not politics, it is a disturbing and inappropriate exercise in demagogy," Rama's response states.
Is it really an insult to Albania that a foreign country is concerned about illegal immigrants, even Albanians, and builds policies to combat this phenomenon?
Or is it a joke when those 700 Albanians are part of thousands of others who, due to the failed policies of Rama's government and economic impossibilities, have been forced to flee headlong towards Western countries for a better life.
Before worrying about the British minister's statements, the prime minister should think about why Albania is emptying? That would be more logical.
