The British Media: Five Reasons It's Wrong About Albania
Plus five more to show that things are changing
Gëzuar 28 Nëntorin! Gëzuar Diten e Pavarësisë!
Today is Independence Day, or Flag Day (Dita e Flamurit), in Albania, and across the Albanian diaspora; celebrating the day Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
As someone who has chosen to spend a lot of my time in Albania over the years, most recently living here for the majority of my time, I wanted to reflect again on why the British media has got things wrong, and, more importantly, why I think things can change.
I’m proud to call Albania the home of my heart, and to build a life here amongst my Albanian friends and chosen family.
5 reasons why the British media has it wrong about Albania…
1. As a foreigner I live a modest yet comfortable lifestyle here, with a privilege to access healthcare, social activities, and networks that would not be immediately available to my Albanian peers. It is one thing to describe Albania as an ideal holiday or relocation destination, it is another, for many Albanians, to live here.
2. There are few options for growth and development for native Albanians. Huge amounts of money (and often bribes) are needed to succeed in business; an education system that does not consider the individual needs and preferences of its students; and a jobs market that is uninspiring, with many talented and bright Albanians given no other choice but to work in roles that do not challenge, encourage, or motivate them.
3. It is simply a false narrative to suggest that because Albania is on track for EU membership and not “at war”, its citizens should not be able to make asylum claims. The numbers of reported domestic violence cases are of grave concern; female rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the protection and safeguarding of at-risk adults (including those with disabilities) are not given the attention they acutely need; and the Roma population remains a second-class tier within Albanian society. There are many reasons why Albanians may need to seek asylum, to suggest otherwise is wilful ignorance.
4. Hopelessness. I was in a meeting with a professional and educated Albanian recently, who spoke passionately about their work. However, they also articulated a sense of hopelessness for not only their future, but the future of Albania. I reflected after this that this is an increasingly obvious sentiment amongst even the broadly “middle-class” Albanian citizens. There is a feeling of discontent and despair, as we watch a beautiful country being slowly depopulated and a government that never seems to act in the best interest of its people.
5. There is a huge imbalance of resources in Albania. The bustling metropolis of Tirana does not represent the rest of the country, with many rural communities completely impoverished. That said, there is also alarming poverty in Tirana too, with some areas at particular risk of trafficking and criminal activity because of this. You’d be forgiven for thinking that Tirana is fast becoming the darling of Western Europe for a splendid city break – it really is a brilliant city, providing much of what you’d expect any major capital to. Yet, the modern restaurants, glitzy bars, and high volume of expensive cars on the roads does not speak to the truth beneath the surface. Albania remains a poor country, regardless of how shiny Tirana can look these days.
…and 5 reasons why I still think things can change here.
1. For all the perils foreigners bring (increased cost of living, services that ignore locals to favour tourists, a decrease in the Albanian language being used), interest from outside Albania is sparking growth in key industries like tourism, but also in environmental protection: something that has long been a forgotten issue for many Albanians. Whilst a balance needs to be found, foreign involvement can bring an exchange of ideas and provide fruitful opportunities in the future.
2. Some Albanians are choosing to stay. Whilst many educated professionals are finding jobs abroad, or students are choosing to study elsewhere, there are those who have decided to stay put. This feels like a minority at the moment, but perhaps this might be the beginning of a movement of passionate Albanians who want to reclaim their futures; instead of berating those who choose to leave, we should be finding ways to support those who stay.
3. In the last decade alone there has been a groundswell of grassroots political activism challenging the inequalities in Albanian society, and seeking to ensure the marginalised and vulnerable are protected. Protests are common on the streets of Tirana, and many choose to let the voices be heard – not only those who these issues impact. There are passionate and dynamic individuals and groups who are seeking to build a better and equitable society.
4. There are some wonderful new initiatives popping up across Albania, from gastronomical experiences to outdoor adventures. There is hope in innovation, and the excitement of sharing a culture, history, and natural landscape that for so many remains unknown. Albania is rich in tradition and passion, and there is a lot to be learned and experienced here.
5. Quite simply, Albania is profoundly beautiful. Beyond Tirana there is a country that stuns me every time I’m on the road and see the landscape afresh again and again. To match this natural beauty, there is a people and a culture that are amongst some of the most hospitable I have ever encountered, and a curiosity that means it’s almost impossible not to get to know people here. It would be a cliché to mention the mountains, rivers, and beaches (although it’s true, they are breath-taking), yet this country remains wild and untouched in so many places – offering true escapism, peace, and solitude if so desired. Albania deserves to be championed, and I’m glad to play my minor part in that.