
Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that there are no oligarchs in Albania.
According to him, those who say such a thing are communists.
But what is an oligarch?
An oligarch is a very wealthy and influential person, usually in economics and politics, who has disproportionate power over the decisions of a state or system.
The term comes from the concept of oligarchy — a form of government where power is controlled by a small group of people.
In simple words:
An oligarch is:
-very rich
-with strong political connections
-which influences important state decisions
Now, are there any such people in Albania, since Rama claims that there are none?
Of course, yes, since it is in everyone's eyes that Albania is controlled by three or four powerful businessmen, who directly influence the Government's decisions, from road construction to airports.
It is enough, for example, to see Belinda Balluku's wiretaps, showing how businessman Bashkim Ulaj was favored over Thumanë-Kashar.
Not to mention the other two big oligarchs in Albania, who control the roads, the sea and the air, and who also visit Rama's office from time to time.
They even appear in Forbes magazine as billionaires. (Vox News)