Arben Ahmetaj accuses Edi Rama of state capture

Former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj has leveled serious allegations against Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing him of ‘state capture.’ During an interview on SYRI TV, Ahmetaj claimed that the head of the government views the Mexican drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán as an idol.

Ahmetaj used a metaphor associated with Guzmán to describe the current administration's governance, suggesting that the government attempts to cover up significant issues with even larger ones. He argued that recently released recordings demonstrate how the state has been seized to serve a select group of individuals rather than the public.

Reflecting on historical context, Ahmetaj referenced a 2004 World Bank report regarding state capture in Albania, noting that similar accusations were leveled against previous leaders such as Fatos Nano.