Speaking at the start of his “Let’s Talk” podcast, Rama said Albania’s EU accession talks – which he described as the country’s most important historic process – are continuing without interruption.

“Claims that negotiations are blocked or halted are simply not true,” Rama said. “This major national effort continues day by day, and soon, as we have seen with the opening of chapters, we will have very good news again.”

Rama also said the ruling Socialist Party has launched an internal campaign to elect its local leadership structures nationwide, from polling station level to municipalities, describing it as both an organisational exercise and an effort to strengthen communication with citizens.

He argued that the current information environment makes it increasingly difficult for people to access accurate information, citing the spread of misinformation, partial truths and commentary that can obscure facts.

“Instead of meaningful discussion about the country’s work, public debate is often dominated by political confrontation,” Rama said, accusing opponents of attempting to overshadow government achievements.

He acknowledged that Albania still faces challenges and that more work remains to be done, but said overall progress is being made.

“Albania has problems, certainly, and there is much more to do,” Rama said. “But the country is moving forward, and overall, its work is on track.”

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Speaking on his Let’s Talk (Flasim) podcast after an expanded monthly meeting of the Socialist parliamentary group earlier this week, Rama said lawmakers had held detailed discussions on progress across several sectors, with ministers presenting updates.

Rama added that he also addressed the relationship between politics and the justice system, at a time when “much positive progress has been achieved, but much else still requires attention.”

Commenting on the reshuffle, Rama said that “in one aspect these changes were planned,” referring to what he described as a new approach outlined at the start of the current term, comparing cabinet adjustments to substitutions in a football or basketball team.

However, he indicated that under different circumstances Balluku would not have been removed, citing what he called her “extraordinary results” in office.

Rama said he would reserve further comment on the matter until reviewing a report from the parliamentary Mandates Council.

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