Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has congratulated students in Serbia for the overthrow of President Aleksandar Vučić, whom he describes as "Machiavellian and populist".
In his message, Veliaj, which is clearly also read as a jab at Rama, writes: " Congratulations to the students for the overthrow of the Machiavellian and populist of Belgrade !", describing the student protest as the end of a political world.
“ Student movements and protests are not the 'end of the world', but the end of 'a world' ,” he continues, calling on citizens and policymakers to understand the expectations of the younger generation.
Veliaj also congratulates Albanians in Serbia, referring to projections for increasing their representation from one to two mandates.
"Congratulations to the students for overthrowing the Machiavellian and populist of Belgrade !"
Student movements and protests are not “the end of the world,” but the end of “a world.” The sooner we understand this as citizens and policymakers, the better we will be able to respond to the needs and expectations of this generation.
Heartfelt congratulations also to our Albanians in Serbia, who, according to the current projection, increase their representation from one to two mandates. A stronger voice for the rights of Albanians in Serbia! ", writes Veliaj.
But what is a Machiavellian politician?
A Machiavellian politician is a politician who considers obtaining, maintaining, and strengthening power as his primary objective and who uses strategy, manipulation, diplomacy, cunning, or compromise to achieve it.
The term comes from the Italian philosopher and political thinker Niccolo Machiavelli (1469–1527), author of the famous book The Prince.
How is a Machiavellian politician identified?
- He is a pragmatist – he makes decisions based on political interest, not necessarily moral principles.
- Uses strategy and cunning – knows when to speak, when to remain silent, when to attack and when to retreat.
- Changes alliances according to interest – today's adversary may become tomorrow's ally.
- Controls public perception – tries to create the image of a strong leader, even when his actions do not match his statements.
- Sees politics as a struggle for power – often puts political outcome above personal loyalty.