Angela and her Balkan Lovers
By Andreas Ernst – There is much that separates the leaders of Albania and Serbia. But in the battle for a woman’s heart, they are united!
Much separates Aleksandar and Edi. One is a former party soldier, the other was in his previous life an artist. Aleksandar is easily irritated, Edi in turn loves provoking. This makes their relationship often turbulent. Especially since one is a Serb and the other Albanian.
When it comes to Kosovo, they clash regularly. But the two have one thing in common: both are two meters tall and both boast a considerable ego. They don’t like opposition or disagreements, especially at work.
The two do the same job: Aleksandar Vucic, the Prime Minister of Serbia, Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania. But what unites them in particular, is the admiration for a woman: Angela Merkel.
This may seem surprising in view of the declining popularity ratings of the Chancellor of the public and of the permanent criticism of editorial writers and columnists.
But who stands to see beyond the bigger German picture and look over to the Balkans, sees something quite different: Here the Chancellor enjoys respect and sympathy across the population. And when Aleksandar and Edi talk about Angela, then there is nothing else but love declarations.
While in a tête-a-tête meeting between the two at the Security Forum in Belgrade Edi asks: “Where would European values have gone, had the refugee crisis been managed by Orban and not Angela in Berlin?»
Aleksandar nods, “She is the only one that thinks of us. She picks up the phone, when we have problems, and tells us what we should do” he says.
Edi wants to add something, but Aleksandar has started rolling: “No EU, no Commission, nothing can replace her. When it really matters, there is only one name: Angela“. Then he goes silent!
“My people keep telling me: <Do you see what is happening with your Angela, the polls?>. , . ».
Edi interrupts – “No, no, she will be re-elected!”
Aleksandar takes back the floor. “I am not ashamed. Whatever happens, I stand by my words“.
And then, Aleksandar and Edi start arguing again over Kosovo…
Published as a column for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung
