There is one thing that never changes in the vocabulary of Albanian politicians: borrowed, worn-out and repeated metaphors until boredom. Today, Edi Rama spoke at a conference about the last mile towards the European Union, immediately reminding us of Sali Berisha, who for months has been promising the Democrats that they are in the last mile towards victory.
Two political opponents, two different destinations, and the same unit of measurement to sell optimism.
Berisha has been on the last mile since January of this year. He has covered it in protests, press conferences, party meetings and meetings with the Democrats. On November 4, he even admitted that the Democrats are tired, but assured them again that the last mile is always the hardest and that they will cover it towards victory.
Rama, on the other hand, has set his sights on Brussels, where European integration continues to be the government's major objective.
Of course, membership in the European Union and the political victory of the opposition are two completely different processes. But when it comes to rhetoric, the prime minister and the opposition leader seem to have no need to copy each other. The same vocabulary is enough for them.
For years, Albanians have been promised historic milestones, decisive turning points, giant steps, and the finish line that is always close at hand. Slogans change, objectives change, but the politicians' conviction that the destination is only a few meters away remains unchanged.
Now it remains to be seen who will cover the last mile first: Rama towards the European Union or Berisha towards victory.
Because at the pace they are walking these two kilometers, Albanians risk growing old waiting for the finish line.
