Ilir Meta, President of the Party of Freedom, has issued a strong statement from prison regarding the opening of Albania’s negotiation chapters with the European Union. Meta accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of displaying a “false excitement” over the milestone, claiming Rama has obstructed Albania’s EU integration for over a decade.

Why is this important: Meta’s arrest has been widely interpreted as a significant step forward in Albania’s battle against corruption, signaling that justice reform is beginning to have a tangible impact. The judicial reforms, which were pivotal in advancing Albania’s EU integration process, are seen as a cornerstone of the country’s progress. By making statements from prison, Meta appears to be attempting to maintain his relevance in the Albanian political landscape, even as his Party of Freedom currently has minimal influence and is seen as largely inactive.

Context: In his statement, Meta accused Rama and his government of hypocrisy and irresponsibility: “The Prime Minister’s false excitement over the negotiation chapters, after blocking the country’s European integration for a decade, reflects the hypocrisy and irresponsibility of him and his gang. This process should have been completed long ago.” Meta referenced Albania’s early efforts toward EU integration, pointing out that the Stabilization and Association Agreement was signed in 2006, ahead of countries like Montenegro and Serbia. Despite these initial steps, Albania lagged behind as these neighboring countries opened negotiations in 2012 and 2014 and progressed significantly, even while dealing with international court disputes and interethnic conflicts.

What he said: Meta attributed Albania’s delays to state capture by organized crime and the failure of judicial reform. He criticized the deterioration of the justice system, claiming, “The justice indexes are worse than those of communist Vietnam or Lukashenko’s Belarus.” He drew parallels between Rama’s promises on EU negotiations and past unfulfilled commitments, such as free healthcare and solving the country’s potable water issues within a term. He expressed doubt about the government’s recent pledge to conclude negotiations within three years, comparing it to these unmet promises.

Broader implications: Meta called the recent EU developments overdue and credited them to geopolitical pressures rather than Albania’s internal progress. He reiterated the commitment of his Party of Freedom and the “true opposition” to continue battling state capture and ensuring accountability. “Our fight against state capture and for the restoration of accountability will also unblock the European integration process,” he emphasized.

What’s next: The Party of Freedom and other opposition groups are likely to ramp up their criticism of the government, focusing on issues of corruption, state capture, and unfulfilled promises. As Albania continues its journey toward EU membership, the political landscape remains charged, with integration efforts intertwined with broader struggles over governance and reform.