Albanian PM says comments on philosophers and Greeks were meant as ‘humor’

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Friday that recent remarks he made about ancient philosophers and modern Greeks were misinterpreted by Greek media, insisting that his comments were intended as “friendly humor.”

Rama addressed the controversy in a post on X following reactions in Greece to statements he made during a panel discussion with Greek-American journalist John Defterios at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

According to Kathimerini, during the discussion, Rama said that Greeks often “underestimate others” because they believe they hold a “monopoly on philosophy” and see themselves as the “direct heirs of Plato and Aristotle,” adding, “but you are not.”

Responding to the criticism, Rama said he was “truly surprised” by the reaction of some media outlets in Athens and a Greek politician, stressing that his remarks were “anything but prejudiced” and were delivered in a spirit of humor.

“It is incredible how a phrase formulated with humor is taken completely out of context and turned into a tool for public attack with nationalist passion,” he said, adding that this, unfortunately, often occurs in the Athens media.

The Albanian prime minister sought to clarify his stance by emphasizing his respect for Greek history and culture. He said he had “not the slightest doubt” that Plato and Aristotle were Greek philosophers and that ancient Greece was the cradle of European civilization, adding that Greek civilization “deserves only admiration,” not only for its ancient thinkers but also for its poets, writers, filmmakers and musicians.

Rama also highlighted the importance of Greek-Albanian relations, saying Greece is a country for which he has “the most positive feelings” and describing the Greek people as “an irreplaceable neighbor” and “a brother of the Albanian people.” He added that he holds “special respect” for the Greek prime minister.

However, Rama added that those who were offended by his humor and who “write and speak Greek with nationalist passion” could not, in his view, be considered descendants of Plato and Aristotle.