Prime Minister Edi Rama gave a TV interview reflecting on 35 years of democracy in Albania.

After hearing a 1990 interview of himself, Rama said he never imagined returning to the University of Arts in his current role as Prime Minister. He added he never planned to enter politics in the usual sense.

“In 1990, freedom, not political ambition, pushed me,” Rama said. He explained that he had no desire to join a party. Instead, he followed the path of liberty. The first spark of this process started at the university, where censorship and isolation walls limited freedom every day.

During the show, Rama commented on archival footage of him as a university lecturer. He said these reports highlighted the achievements of workers and agricultural cooperatives.

Rama also spoke about his father. He said his father had authority but never imposed his thoughts.

“I owe a lot to my father. He never forced me to think like him,” Rama said.

He recalled growing up close to his grandmother. They shared a small room, and he spent mornings listening to her.

Rama remembered a lesson from his grandmother that guides him today. She told him that parents must correct mistakes, but life teaches more. She advised him that the most important meeting is the last one—with Saint Peter—who will ask what he has done for others, not just himself.

Rama said this advice helps him stay balanced when life feels heavy or overwhelming.

/a.c/