Rama: I changed ministers because we needed new players in the field

Rama for Dee Welt: I changed the ministers that we needed new players in the field! Prime Minister Edi Rama has provided an interview for German “Die Welt”, where he has talked about changes made to the government, which has explained with the need for new energy.

What did you do in office today in the prime minister's quality?

I've changed some ministers, about 70 percent of them. We have almost a new government as we speak.

The reason? Sounds like a government crisis?

From time to time, we need new energy, new players in the field, so we don't make the same mistake as German football national after the World Cup win. That was badly eliminated in the first round after four years.

You like to use sports metaphors, you played professional basketball yourself. Your biography is unusual. You studied art before you became mayor and then prime minister. Where does sports and art stand?

Both are existential to me. They can't be compared. As an artist, I worked my whole life, something inside. In sports, I work outside, with others, to achieve something in common.

As mayor of Iyet gray buildings with color to give hope to people in Tirana. At the time, he was very impressed, and the idea arose that art can change society steadily, perhaps even improve it. Do you still believe in this? Is the artist a better politician?

Art can't change much. Maybe I go far away when I say, it doesn't change anything at all.

I expected more idealism from your mouth...

I mean, art is not capable of preventing bad things like war, violence, or conflict. It doesn't make people better. I just don't believe it. I don't know any poetry that stopped any bloodshed. I don't know any pictures stopped the bombs. Of course, I appreciate the sculptures that address racism and make you aware of another kind of fear.

What does it mean to lead a country? To be responsible?

It's a man's wild, crazy life that has to deal with an extraordinary number of fates and subjects. It's not easier to manage a small country than to run a big place, most people don't imagine. The speed of communication is extraordinary and people's approach to me is very direct and intense. I constantly examine, judge, make decisions and develop strategies to find a way for our country to achieve goals. The earth I move to is always moving. It's like a global chess game.

Are you satisfied with yourself?

Keeping the prime minister's post is a difficult job. But if I was happy, I wouldn't be right about this post. It's something that needs to go further. Even if I was happy, I would never stop, I don't care. The same is in art. I keep drawing.

You often travel across Europe and the world. How is Europe developing?

It'll get much worse before it gets better. Unfortunately, I can't read my coffee cup, I know there are other politicians who believe they're capable of doing this. I don't belong to them. I really can't predict the future.

What else can we do for democracy in Europe?

If I can be honest with you, not so much. I'll tell you something from my point of view. So far we've been extremely lucky after working and living at a time with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Yes, with Angela Merkel and Germany. I sincerely hope she stays with us, since her vision does not lose so easily. I hope that Germany finds that it is not only responsible for the future of German children, but also Europe and beyond. It's about power above all.

And what is the approach of your country, the Albanian population?

We still love Europe. We're always willing to give yes. We're still in love because we haven't married yet. After marriage we'll see if we're still happy.