THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Albania hopes to join the European Union in 2030, Prime Minister Edi Rama This was said by a crowd of around 2,000 supporters on Sunday in a hotel in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.
Rama also promised that the numerous Albanian expats will be able to send in their ballot papers for the first time in the next general elections, which will take place in the spring of 2025.
The boisterous event included plenty of flag waving and live singing by a line-up of Albanian stars.
Rama chose to downplay recent disputes with neighboring Greece, including the jailing for election corruption of mayoral candidate Fredis Beleris, a member of Albania’s Greek-speaking minority. Beleris was elected member of the European Parliament last June. His candidacy was put forward by Greece’s ruling conservatives. He has since been released from prison and allowed to take his seat.
Rama said relations with Greece were excellent.
There were fears of nationalist protests in a city where far-right parties are particularly strong. Eventually, about 20 to 25 people appeared outside the hall, holding a banner telling Rama to leave.
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