Rama insults Hellenism: Petsas calls for official diplomatic note over Albanian PM’s offensive remarks

The Greek political scene was stirred by the public statements of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at an international forum in Abu Dhabi during the Sustainable Development Summit. The incident was initially triggered by a mispronunciation of his name by Greek-American journalist John Defterios, but quickly escalated into an open insult to Greek identity and historical heritage.

🇦🇱 Albanian PM Edi Rama joked about Greeks and Montenegro during a panel discussion in the UAE:

“As a Greek … you always underestimate people because you believe you have a monopoly on philosophy and are the direct heirs of Plato and Aristotle, but you are not.”

“Montenegro… pic.twitter.com/q8yw12vd9K

— kos_data (@kos_data) January 14, 2026

Rama stated explicitly:

• “You are not a descendant of Plato and Aristotle as you think,” directly targeting Greece’s cultural legacy.
• He continued: “When you talk about your own money, you add three zeros. When you talk about others’ money, you subtract three zeros,” sarcastically commenting on Greece’s economic practices.
• Attempting to joke with the Montenegrin Prime Minister, he said: “Montenegro is the greatest and largest country in our region; they have 50 million citizens, we are a small country, Serbia is bigger, but Montenegro is the one,” creating further awkwardness.

Petsas’ Response

Greek MP Stelios Petsas reacted strongly on social media, calling Rama’s remarks offensive to Hellenism and the homeland. He emphasized:

• “The initial comment overflows with envy for our ancient culture.”
• “His final phrase is insulting to the Greeks and our country.”

Petsas demands an official diplomatic note, calling on Rama to apologize, while stressing the importance of defending national dignity on an international level.

Ενώ η αρχική αναφορά Ε. Ράμα ξεχειλίζει φθόνο για τον αρχαίο πολιτισμό μας, η τελευταία του φράση είναι προσβλητική για τους Έλληνες και την Πατρίδα μας. Απαιτείται επίσημο διάβημα ώστε να δοθεί η δυνατότητα στον Αλβανό Πρωθυπουργό να ζητήσει συγγνώμη.https://t.co/FMOeT44YHv

— Stelios Petsas (@SteliosPetsas) January 16, 2026

Political and Diplomatic Implications

Rama’s remarks have already sparked intense public and political debate, with discussions on strengthening Greece’s diplomatic strategy in the Balkans.

The statements have also been covered by international media, turning the incident from a verbal slip into a matter of diplomatic significance.

The Greek government is now tasked with moving its response from social media to formal diplomacy, ensuring the country’s image remains protected on the global stage.

The Rama episode is more than a personal confrontation; it is a political and diplomatic challenge. Petsas’ reaction and the public condemnation of the insult to Hellenism underscore the need for a strategic and organized diplomatic response from Athens. In an international environment where every word is closely monitored, the Greek government must demonstrate determination and diplomatic skill to safeguard both national dignity and the country’s image across the Balkans and Europe.