Tsipras responds to Rama’s criticism: “Don’t confuse patriotic duty with nationalism”

Alexis Tsipras responds with a letter to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, following public criticism from the latter regarding an announcement by the Hellenic Left Alliance about a violent incident against a Greek citizen in Albania. Rama had indirectly accused Tsipras’s side of excessive and nationalist rhetoric, sparking political confrontation. In his response, Tsipras initially expresses surprise at these statements and emphasizes that sensitivity toward violent incidents and references to European principles cannot be considered nationalism. He underscores that one’s stance against nationalism is judged by actions, not accusations, and reminds of his own political journey and peace initiatives in the Balkans, with the Prespa Agreement as a characteristic example.

He also points out that defending minority rights constitutes a fundamental principle of the rule of law and the European path of the region. He specifically refers to the Greek national minority in Albania and the importance of protecting their property and political rights. Alexis Tsipras welcomes the fact that measures were taken to ensure accountability regarding the incident and calls for full protection of the rights of all involved, while emphasizing that the Left in Europe must defend the rule of law without exceptions. In closing, he expresses his desire for continued cooperation between Greece and Albania, highlighting the importance of the European perspective for the Western Balkans and maintaining good bilateral relations despite political tensions.

Alexis Tsipras’s post

My dear friend Edi,

I hope you are well too.

I must admit that I too am surprised by the fact that you rushed to respond with allegations of nationalist rhetoric to the announcement by the Hellenic Left Alliance (ELAS) regarding the violence inflicted on a Greek citizen and member of the Greek National Minority, which was accompanied by a reminder of the need for compliance with European principles.

I understand the frustration of the moment and therefore I am not angry, however it is good to remember that each of our stances against nationalism is proven by our actions. And you know very well, friend, that our struggles, difficult decisions and achievements for peace and cooperation in the region, including the emblematic Prespa Agreement, do not give anyone the right to publicly lecture me about what nationalism is and what the left of the 21st century represents.

Moreover, it is good not to confuse our patriotic duty to defend the rights of our national minority, as well as every minority, with the nationalism that unfortunately in our days once again poisons the minds and relationships of people.

I am pleased, however, by the fact that measures were taken against those who participated in this incident. And I hope the relevant authorities will ensure the protection of the legitimate rights of every citizen involved in the case.

As you would recognize, progressive forces are always in favor of upholding the rule of law – whether we are talking about isolated incidents, or incidents that cannot be called isolated because they are repeated. And this naturally concerns the Left throughout Europe.

Nearly a decade ago, I remember, friend Edi, we had the opportunity to discuss the importance for Albania’s European prospect of securing property rights for all Albanian citizens – and of course the Greek National Minority. Any substantial progress in this direction would contribute to the European prospect of friendly Albania and its people. And any regression would constitute an obstacle to this. And this is a fact.

My old friend Edi, I wish you the best and sincerely look forward to our future cooperation both for a European future for the Western Balkans and friendly Albania, as well as for Greek-Albanian relations.

Rama’s criticism of Tsipras

Earlier, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama launched criticism against Alexis Tsipras, prompted by the former prime minister’s party announcement, ELAS (Hellenic Left Alliance), regarding the incidents in Zvërnec. “What more would you expect, Alexis?” he stated in a social media post. The tension was caused during a residents’ protest against the construction of a tourist complex.

“I hope you are in good shape. Sorry to bother, but I wanted to share my amazement at how quickly even your new party contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into a matter of broader political significance, dismissing confirmed facts while emphasizing half-truths, which are often the most misleading form of falsehood – especially when infused with the scent of nationalism, I must say,” he writes.

Among other things, he adds that any physical harm to anyone, Albanian, Greek or other, is deplorable. “The circumstances were quickly clarified, leading to the arrest of the private security personnel responsible, the revocation of their company’s operating license, and the dismissal of the Vlorë police director. What more would you expect, Alexis, and what additional measures would you have taken as prime minister under these circumstances? My memory tells me that if our positions were reversed, your response would have been much less decisive,” he continues.

The Albanian Prime Minister adds that “no upcoming election campaign can justify such behavior, especially from a new party that aspires to represent the European left of the 21st century” while emphasizing that the Greek minority is “a treasure for which I have enormous appreciation.”

In closing, he wishes Alexis Tsipras “success in the upcoming elections, I sincerely hope that your new party will show that new political movements need not fall into the same familiar patterns of public discourse, including the temptation to rally supporters around the flag through hasty conclusions about neighbors and their institutions.”