Four years ago, you had problems you don't even remember.
But it seemed like such a big deal at the time, didn't it?
And yet, here you are.
This, too, shall pass.
https://t.co/WlIb8ZvFbC
Ooopsss… Mr.@Nigel_Farage himself has just challenged me on the facts!
What an honor — for a “giant man,” as he described me (meaning, of course, from a “tiny country”) — to earn the attention of Britain’s unrivaled virtuoso of headline politics.
He said — and I quote:
“I tell you what, Mr. Rama, did you know one in 50 Albanians in Britain are in prison? So show some goodwill and take them all back tomorrow, because this is hypocrisy.”
Well, Mr. Farage — let me return the challenge with something unusually boring in your line of work: actual numbers.
That “one in 50 Albanians are in prison” claim? It’s not a fact. It’s bonkers. A classic from the post-truth Brexit playbook: “If it sounds scary, it must be true.”
Guess what? When the numbers are actually run — surprise! — even if we assumed every Albanian currently in prison is guilty (and in fact, many are caught up in an outdated and restrictive visa system), the rate of criminality among Albanians in the UK would be no higher than — and likely lower than — that of the British population itself.
Now, since we both seem to cherish “goodwill” and are clearly allergic to “hypocrisy,” here’s my offer:
Let’s both bring our numbers to the table. If your “one in 50” claim holds water — I will personally commit to taking them all back. That’s not a competing headline — it’s a public pledge.
But if your scary stat turns out to be just tabloid fuel, then no apology needed. No drama. Instead, you’ll come to Albania — as my guest of honor.
You’ll get real sun, real hospitality, and even more real facts — about Albania and its fabulous people. And all I ask in return is the simplest public pledge from you, made while enjoying our country: next time someone badmouths Albanians, you’ll be the first to tell them — in your histrionic way — not to do it again.
So what do you say? One fact-check for a full deportation — or a full vacation, with some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.
Come on, Nigel. If you lose on a fact check, you’ll still win a whole nation of friends for life.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
We just had a phone call with @POTUS while in Albania.
Once again, President Putin refuses to respond to the unconditional ceasefire proposal put forward by the Americans and supported by Ukraine and the Europeans.
By rejecting the ceasefire and dialogue with Ukraine, Russia shows it does not want peace and is merely trying to buy time by continuing the war.
In this context, as the European Political Community gathers for a summit in Tirana, we will continue to coordinate with our European partners, the United States, and the Coalition of the willing to define a united response.
Cher @ediramaal, chers Albanais, merci pour votre accueil à Tirana et pour nos échanges. L’amitié entre l’Albanie et la France se renforce par des réalisations concrètes. Votre place est dans l’Union européenne. La France vous soutient et sera à vos côtés sur ce chemin.
4. A 107-year-old Chinese grandmother pulls out a sweet from her pocket and gives it to her 84-year-old daughter,
You’re always mums baby no matter how old.