Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has publicly rebutted British MP Nigel Farage following the latter’s assertion that “1 in 50 Albanians in the UK are in prison.” In a lengthy and sharp post on the platform “X,” Rama denied the figures and challenged Farage to a public fact-check duel.
“Oops… Mr. Nigel Farage himself challenged me with facts!” — Rama wrote ironically, before calling Farage a “giant man” referring sarcastically to Farage’s past comment describing Rama as a “man from a small country.”
Rama’s Key Points:
- The Statistic is False:
Farage’s claim that “1 in 50 Albanians in the UK are in jail” is not based on reality, Rama argued. He labeled it a “classic post-Brexit myth” driven by fear-based tabloid rhetoric. - Reality vs. Fear:
Rama noted that even assuming every Albanian inmate were guilty (which he disputed), the crime rate among Albanians in the UK is likely not higher—and perhaps lower—than that of British citizens. - Challenge Accepted:
Rama publicly offered a deal to Farage:- If the 1-in-50 claim is proven true, Rama pledged to repatriate all Albanian offenders.
- If it turns out false, Farage would be invited to Albania as an honored guest, to enjoy real sun, hospitality, and facts—“and all I would ask in return is that next time someone slanders Albanians, you be the first to tell them to stop.”
- Closing Remark:
Rama concluded with: “Come on, Nigel. Even if you lose the fact-check battle, you’ll gain a whole nation of friends for life.”
This exchange adds to a growing narrative between UK politicians and Albanian officials regarding migration, crime, and public rhetoric. Rama’s intervention, dripping with sarcasm and diplomacy, appears aimed not only at refuting misinformation but also at defending Albania’s image on the global stage.