During Prime Minister Edi Rama’s recent visit to New York, Albanians in the city responded with both enthusiastic support and active opposition. Invited by Albanian-American leaders, Rama met with members of the diaspora, engaging with nearly a hundred representatives of Albanian organizations in the U.S., where he shared his government’s plans and his vision for Albania’s role in the global landscape.

However, outside the meeting venues, a group of protesters voiced their opposition to Rama’s policies. The protesters criticized issues like the perceived lack of democratic governance and economic challenges in Albania, highlighting the concerns of those who feel overlooked by the current administration.

After the New York meeting, Rama will return to Tirana but plans to resume his diaspora tour next weekend with a stop in Thessaloniki, Greece. On Sunday, November 3, he is scheduled to meet with the Albanian community in Thessaloniki, marking his second visit to Greece following his May 12 meeting in Athens.