German newspaper Die Welt: Albania has problems with corruption, justice and freedom of the press, Rama has connections with the mafia

One of the largest and most authoritative newspapers in Germany, Die Welt, has published an article about Albania, emphasizing that the country has deep problems with corruption, justice and freedom of the press. The article takes impetus from the opening of negotiations, which are said to have opened more due to the geostrategic situation created by the war in Ukraine. "The war in Ukraine at the doors of Europe has given the Western alliances a moment of rebirth. There is a consensus that the West must come closer to confronting the Russian aggressor, Vladimir Putin. Not least because of this, Ukraine and Moldova received the status of candidates for EU membership in June. The Western Balkans are also strategically important for the EU, as they form the land bridge between NATO's southeastern flank and Central Europe. However, it is becoming clear that, regardless of the current moment, there are still a number of challenges standing in the way of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans. This is visible in Albania", says the article. But journalist Mandoline Rutkowski says that Prime Minister Edi Rama is accused of having ties to the mafia. The biggest German magazine, Spiegel, had also found such a thing some time ago. Meanwhile, the German newspaper writes that Edi Rama is drowning in scandals every day. "Corruption is a wound in Albania, which is very difficult to heal. The country ranks 110th out of 180 in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the article further states. Albania celebrated a historic moment after almost three decades: in 2003, Tirana submitted its application for membership. In the days following the announcement, a huge EU flag decorated the government building in 'Skënderbej' square in Tirana. The list of scandals surrounding Rama confirms this statement. The head of the Socialist Party, who once campaigned for the fight against corruption, is accused of ties to the mafia. Scandals are also multiplying in his orbit of power. Recently, SP politician Alqi Blako was arrested at the end of April after he is said to be involved in a corruption scandal of 430 million euros. The opposition accuses Rama of being the organizer of criminal activities. Scandals are also multiplying in his orbit of power. Recently, SP politician Alqi Blako was arrested at the end of April after he is said to be involved in a corruption scandal of 430 million euros. The opposition accuses Rama of being the organizer of criminal activities. Scandals are also multiplying in his orbit of power. Recently, SP politician Alqi Blako was arrested at the end of April after he is said to be involved in a corruption scandal of 430 million euros. The opposition accuses Rama of being the organizer of criminal activities.