TIRANA, Oct 21 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama stated on Tuesday that migration had become a scapegoat for the United Kingdom’s “catastrophic” decision to leave the European Union, as he pushed back against negative portrayals of Albanian migrants in British media and politics.
Speaking at a Chatham House panel in London titled “The Western Balkans and the European Union: A path to membership,” Rama criticized the UK’s handling of Brexit and its political discourse around migration.
“I remember one of the most absurd and ridiculous things – the so-called ‘Brexit referendum’. There was even a poster with a terrifying bird supposedly coming from Albania to suck Britain’s blood,” Rama said.
“The promise was: leave Europe and they won’t come anymore. But look – the UK left Europe, and Albania has become an even bigger topic,” the government head noted.
“The problem isn’t Albanians, or foreigners, or migrants. The problem is finding a scapegoat for the catastrophic decision to leave Europe. Because it was catastrophic,” Rama stated. “So no, I don’t feel frustrated or disheartened – I feel sorry. Deeply sorry.”
When asked about sensationalist British media coverage of Albanians, Rama singled out former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who had previously blamed Albanian nationals for illegal migration.
“She targeted Albanians. And by the way, where is she now?” Rama said. “Just remember this – don’t mess with Albanians, because if they curse you, you disappear.”
Rama also questioned the UK’s labor force outlook if it continues to expel migrant workers.
He said the migration debate was being used to deflect responsibility.
“Migration is just a scapegoat. It’s not the root problem. Of course, there are issues – illegal migration is a problem, and I’m not denying that, Rama concluded.
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