Speaking at a joint press conference with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after the European Political Community summit in Budapest, PM Rama expressed optimism about the country’s future, stating “the place of Albania is definitely in Europe and we are fighting for this every day.”

The government head underlined that the path to the EU has been cleared also thanks to Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union that pushed the process strongly forward.

“The EU accession negotiations are already underway and we strongly hope to be ready to join within this decade together with other Western Balkan countries,” Rama said.

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During the meeting held today with the Parliamentary Group and the Cabinet to addresses on issues related to governance, law, corruption and the New National Initiative for Albania 2030, Rama began with a resume of the time when the Socialist Party came in office in 2013.

PM Rama said that in 2013 Albania was in its worst year after the dark year 1997. Thus, in 2012 there were 124 murders, 2075 accidents, crimes, robberies and the citizens were looking for security.

Meanwhile, corruption was flourishing and the citizens used to pay bribes in every state counter, said Rama.

PM Rama reminded the hospitals were short of medicaments and the patients used to buy them wherever they could. While the medical centers used to be like abandoned buildings and in poor conditions.

The prime minister also reminded that people going to the university where like those getting into a crowded bus in the 90-ies.

“While, employment was made by party or MP’s recommendation in exchange for money. The prosecution offices or courts looked like a market where the weakest always lost the case. No one dared to go on protest”, said PM Rama.

The prime minister also reminded that the image of Albania in the world was poor and Albania’s journey to the EU  was blocked by an all-round absence of confidence.

PM Rama concluded by saying that every Albanian family has lived this reality, a bitter past of governance, corruption and the rule of law only one decade ago. /p.s./