Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Vol (I), No.1, 2014 ______

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Albanian transition - the contrast between eastern mentality and european identity

Afrim Krasniqi “Alexander Moisiu” University, Durrës, Albania Coresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract During the last two decades leading Albanian political actors have developed political activity based on two parallel indicator: western formal models and marketing electoral programs, as well as eastern oriental model in the way they have designed and developed policy, elections, internal democracy and public discourse. Being correct to western formal models came as foreign imposition, as needed impersonation in terms of lack of experience and practical knowledge, as well as the response of major civic expectations. The conclusion of this material is that we are dealing with continuous coexistence between Western model in programs and eastern model in practical implementation of these programs. Practical application of a parallel political system, in values, methods and political discourse was due to domestic consumption needs, fragility in the formation of political culture, local recognition of the dominant methods in politics and the pursuit of short-term political goals. This thesis paper aims to analyze the formal western presentation of the two main political parties and their leaders during the transition, and to make this analysis in comparative relation to feeds and real features in daily political activity. Part of the study are the programs and the most important political positions, international relations associated with the level of democracy and the role of political parties in shaping a democratic, professional studies in the field of political behavior and political discourse. Keywords: parties, political behavior, identity, political discourse, West, East

Introduction In Albanian politics the concept "East - West" has a dual popular pens of public debate, Kadare and Xhaferi, on explanation: as a European political map split by ideological Western affiliation of the old and new Albanian identity boundaries of the Cold War, and under the historical Kadare protects fully convinced Western identity, but division between western and oriental cultures inherited meanwhile, does not hesitate to say that "our modest country from the division made during the beginning of the last is now in that area which is called as the outer court of century with the fall two great empires, the Ottoman and Europe [2]. Austro Hungarian. In the first explanation there is no Another minority defended the position between two dilemma that Albania has been one of the most fanatical cultures and two identities, i.e. a society and nation of mixed countries of the communist east, with a unique pattern identity, between East and West. At the core of these within this part of Europe. In the second explanation exist debates, despite the 70 to 80 years distance, the differences different opinions but the most dominant one is that of between public and historical argument are minimal, the western view of affiliation. The debate over the second arguments are the same and the Albanian case is seen as an identity began in the ‘30s with Konica, Maloki, Fishta, exception case in other regional models, especially Slavic Frasheri, Noli, etc. and reached one of the roofs of the neighbors to the north, east and southeast. Albanian elite debate of the first half of the last century. Integrating aspirations vs. integrating culture Each of them defended the thesis that Albanians culturally, The debate over political identity was left out of the political politically and geographically belong to Occidental Western changes that happened during the 1990. The dilemma of civilization. These were harsh criticism of oriental models, identity and the striving for a unique identity, outside two in which "the politician sees the world as an inexhaustible assumed identities, was unified with the view of the source of tools, hobbies and prettiness and uses them in outgoing regime, according to which , "Albania was neither every way and method" that for his ideals has “armchair and east nor west " (Alia , 1990), that’s why it deserved a special chunks” and in order to reach them "he uses every tool" [1]. treatment by institutions and Western countries. Dilemma After the fall of the Iron Curtain and the opening to the thesis was seen as an alibi of the regime for refusing integration processes the debate about identity returned, now democratization, liberalization and allowing multiparty in an environment with different flows and interest. Even in system. By achieving pluralism this alibi fell and young this case dominant is the thesis protected by the most politicians dominating the public rhetoric changed dictionary, trying to seek more and more Europe as an

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Albanian transition - the contrast between … A.Krasniqi ______identity, as a project, as a community and belonging. This is individual, of the confront to the won liberties and the the reason why in the first political programs of pluralism controversial limits of its misuse. each political party referred to the European integration Lack of political will and determination to follow 100 % the processes as long-term aspiration and national interest. This Western model, western practice and behavior in active is why the main student’s slogans in 1990 was: "Albania like politics emerges even in the confronting of the balance Europe”, implying that prohibited Europe in the image, between normality and conflict periods. Transition testified system, behavior and culture, along the half- century period that whenever politics was in dialogue, cooperation, of the east communist regime. compromise and mutual respect political actors showed All this process has a common indicator: the apparent lack maturity, political culture and rhetoric worthy of a place of experience, democratic tradition and of clarity in concepts with clear Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Every time that how Albania will become like Europe. More than two happened the opposite, there was a boycott, crisis, fierce generations of citizens were born and raised in anti- debates and rhetoric and political conflicts, the same European concept, the unity of the West with the enemy, the political actors embraced all negative vices of traditional evil, threat and the source of the potential assimilation. The rejectionist denigrating policy in the Balkans. The latter same generations would find it difficult to separate from this increasingly labeled by the media, by the politicians, by culture of thinking and being something that they were not observer groups, researchers or international relations, as and could not have been so as devotees of the West. politics with negative source, oriental, eastern, so basically At the stage when the country was faced with the demands the opposite of the cultural identity claimed from the of the integration process, then emerged the big gaps and Albanians during the century. misunderstandings. Integration aspirations were not enough, Because the transition is dominated more by the second form achievement and standards were needed but Albanian of political behavior, it has managed to be imposed more as politics was neither capable nor prepared to meet them. an identity of political culture of the Albanian political elite. That’s why the integration process, in the first phase came in The ambassador of Denmark, Karsten Jensen, one of the the form of imposed standards and projects, that were ready most stable and old European democracies illustrates better and imitated by other former communist countries, in an and more directly this feature of the Albanian politics: effort to meet the great expectations of citizens. The political "Albanian politics lacks appreciation for the common actors imitated in details their counterparts in other interest, so necessary for Albania to have success ... Politics countries. For example, the first programs of political parties is focused on individual and personal interests. Think about are translations, phrases for foreign politics, human rights it! How often do you hear a politician talk about Albanian and rule of law are also similar, anticommunist political national interest, and for the good of the country? Albanian speeches were in fashion everywhere, rallies and militant politics is about DP, SP, ISM and many other abbreviations behavior of the electorate were also expected. that make up the view of Albanian politics, and more often The disappointment of local politics by citizens about those who personify these abbreviations. It is rarely paradoxically, created a climate of dependency on heard that Albanian politicians express their opinions and integration , thus increasing integration myth , a myth that is their visions for Albania as a nation and what can all not criticized , not rejected , not debated and there is no Albanians or future generations benefit". doubt on it. This made infinitely acceptable, the need for In support of this critical process came the fact that the West intervention from outside. Rarely could have happened in a itself constantly changed its level of presentation in the former communist country, that western political, national or Albanian public. Let's look at the example of the EU and the institutional forces have been so active, invited and decisive European Parliament. During the first decade Albania was to important local political decisions as in Albania . The covered by Western well known politicians, German, most pro-Western country in the region became the oasis of British, Austrian or French. During the second decade there gross importing of the western model and counsel. Unlike is a drop of the "standard" or geopolitical shift, and the societies with highest democratic level, in the Albanian consequently, coverage mainly by regional politicians from political society, this phenomenon did not come in the Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Slovenia and Croatia. This horizontal form, but vertical, i.e. from above, through normal change in terms of EU enlargement actually affects decisions, through the imposition of official and political the strength of the western message in . Fischer acts, through the constitution, laws, rules, etc. There were researcher confirms the mutual duality when he says that some cases where advice and western project was identified "repeating the drawing of a line in the sand - even when this by local projects which created overlapping or displacement line is crossed, pulling another - the international community of priorities. has become increasingly less effective" (Fischer, 2013). In the second period of transition, when some regional Local Vision vs. willingness to Europe countries joined the EU, the Albanian public, especially in Coping with "European Albania" as was intended and the policy decision-making, the EU continues to be identified as results of local resources created a parallel system: rhetoric, something else, as a western project of the axis Paris - Berlin image, statement and laws of Western models and in front of - London - Washington. Contrast is deep: Albanian majority them, political behavior, thoughts and mentalities far from wants to be treated by the “true" West, the founder of the EU these models. For purposes of consumption and daily and NATO, while the latter, treats us the "other" West, the political interest politicians created in general a dual black one recently created by the success of our neighbors witch and white reading system of political developments, of the till yesterday were former communist countries, namely East vote and citizen sovereignty, of the report of the state to the Europe. The contrast in the form of report directly between Tirana and Brussels is acknowledged by the latter, too.

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Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (I), No.1, 2014 ______Danish Ambassador Jensen in Albania says, “Not alibi for failures, as well as the citizens themselves who understanding what the EU is is also the result of a political unconditionally trusted their future to the big Euro -Atlantic culture which reduces important social issues, including the project. The thesis is supported by Surroi according to which EU, to personal internal wars, pure slurs or propaganda. EU "political elites in Albania and Kosovo as the escape of the is complicated. It’s all about giving and taking, but, for topics of debate have found the slogan “will join the EU" ( Albania, take, is always more than you give, certainly in Surroi, 2012). The same logic also includes other terms of honest and unremitting Albanians.... This is not a researchers: "Paradoxically, it was precisely the political hereditary disease of the Albanian politics. Kosovo, which class, even though delegitimized increasingly from within, faces greater challenges than Albania itself, appeared less of from its citizens, sought legitimization from outside and this, these features" (Jensen, 2012). in fact, “was acceptable" by Brussels. Beyond verbal commitment to Europe, its standards and institutions" and Expectations from the elites vs. responsibility to elites joins the thesis that “the orientation of the Albanian political Political elites could change their behavior if they would elite towards Europe was not for idealistic reasons or face a public active society, critical voices that impose philosophically motivated, but playing the card of respect and whether the public would be identified with the integration in the EU, its only goal was to legitimize and citizen sovereignty in a democracy. The debate about extend its power". (Gjuraj , 2013). whether citizens govern politics or the opposite, often in Such developments were not typical only in Albania, but the Albania is dominated by the second thought. Criticism that crisis such as that of 1997 or events like those of 2011 set it politics is behind the citizens remains present in most apart from other democracies with similar features and give international reports on Albania. material to critics to question the our ability of commitment In conditions when the dilemma follows, the Albanian case to rule of law and functional democracy. The debate demonstrates that politics remains dominant but it has not between the parties to the European vision has value when ever produced elite debate in society. It, of daily or electoral the parties have a difference in programs and behavior. In needs, is involved in elite debates, such as cases of debate on Albania, the parties have the same programs and the same European identity, the debate over the Second World War, behavior, so debates are improvised, often beyond reality the debate about historical figures. Basically, in all cases it and political motives of the day. turns out that its inclusion is mainly to tag the other political party or one party elites in debates, then to just using the West as a merit vs. West as a gift debate as an electoral tool for votes. Most significant cases Analysis of political behavior over two decades to the in the interests of security, such as relations with Greece and "West" and "East" has its own symbolism in 2008 when Turkey, accompanied by more extreme reactions in most thank of the visible U.S. support Albania was admitted to deferential statements, are the product of the quantitative NATO . The decision was made just days after occurred the standard (votes), not quality (elite) by political actors. tragedy of Gerdeci, because of which was dismissed all the Relationship between political elites and citizens, the domes of the military leadership. Membership was seen as a dilemma which is the most European , most cultured and U.S. gift for the Albania's role in the war against terror and less educated is a topic of debate not only among politicians. as an encouragement for the future. Such donation models The researcher Duka says that “the Albanian urban part is often are risked to be identified as integration standards. civilized" and finds the difference between European Albanian case is an example of this. Admission thesis "as we citizens and the Albanian one to the relation of the respect are" was used by the former regime in the late 80s, was used they have towards society and the state (Duka, 2012). The in 1991 for admission to the CSCE, in 1994 for admission to well-known scholar of Albanian politics and issues Bernd the CoE (the only accepted place where the opposition Fischer advances criticism and makes the historical contrasts leader was in prison), in 2008 the acceptance in NATO and between almost identical regimes. According to him, "there continues to be the main argument in 2012 and 2013 for is a substantial disconnect between a part of the political receiving of the candidate statute for the European Union. elite of Tirana and people ... A part of the political elite have Attempting to replace the merit system in the assessment of always believed that people are simple , they really do not Albania with a donation system by state / main western understand what is in their best and thus need to be countries actually creates the wrong vision for a different addressed as they were children . These concepts created Europe from standard Western Europe. Consequently, the ahead of time and not based on experience or knowledge unanimous and standard discourse pro European and may have a basis during the Ottoman and the early Zogist Atlantic integration imposes deviation from our religious or period" (Fischer , 2013). cultural argument, from our passed inheritance and that of Other authors have the responsibility among the elite and the region, accompanied by minimizing identity indicators citizen, though not equally. "Transition is a process that and maximizing formal political balances. must be attended from all but the political elite is the most Let us illustrate with an example: the U.S. remains our important" - he says. (Biberaj, 2011). Political elite before strategic partner and most important ally, but relations have and during the transition "has been highly associated with experienced ups and downs depending on the daily policy power and status quo to be the engine of change; interests of the political class in Tirana. When American consequently, it has often served as a wheel "(Kajsiu, 2013). diplomats or administration criticize a government, they face Referring Albanian experience, both parties, political elites a stream of accusations on behalf of local sovereignty, when and citizens had short-term benefits, politicians misused they support a government the same politicians do the civic commitment to integration as an electoral flag as an opposite, use and abuse the U.S. card to legitimize their own

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Albanian transition - the contrast between … A.Krasniqi ______local actions. Political force which asked first restoring his office and slaughtered a sacrificial in public place - an relations with U.S. was also the first political force that old oriental rite. In 2013, his political rival, at that time a asked the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador from Tirana candidate and today a prime minister, his main political (1997, 2008, 2012) and vice versa, the political forces that manifesto on the eve of the electoral campaign titled originally was against American involvement in internal “Sacrificial ", a label with the same meaning as his rival. politics became the main supporter of including Albania in The nomination" Orientalist " is an insult, attack and a anti-terror operations and as a peacekeeping in Iraq or crossing of the normal border of political charges for the Afghanistan. Socialist Party leader, Edi Rama,. According to him, “they This dual behavior often creates the impression that the said about me a lot of nonsense, putting me the last label that rhetoric of our loyalty to the U.S. and EU are and still had remained without putting, as an Orientalist" (Rama, remain superficial, change depending on the daily interest 2013). Even further, the analysis of political discourse of the and short term goals of the next government - something main political rivals, the major parties and parliamentary critical to our real commitment to western standard values. speeches, expressions like "Anatolian, sultan, yashmak, Efendi, Bey, Pasha, mercenary, Oriental, Byzantine or Accidental suit vs. oriental mentality medieval" - in negative use, are almost permanent. During Researcher Sinani rightly writes: "We want and we are the 2013 election year they were used at least 34 times by supposed to be Occidental, but have often thought as two political leaders in the discourse against each other, Oriental. When we become ourselves ... will join Western while the two presented themselves as European alternative values ". (Sinani, 2012). Practically the whole "European" of Albania. identifier process turned out to be long, complex and feature Dual political behaviors are also expressed in tools that dual behavior and double standard for acts with the same politic uses for public communication, especially in election meaning in state politics. For example, they are still campaigns. In western models are dominant the maintaining commitment for more than two decades to join communication with citizens, social networks, youth trends, NATO, KE, OSBE, EU, etc., while the decision to enter the public responsibility, sense of measure, secret votes and Islamic Conference was taken within an extremely short competition through ideas. In Albania, despite Western time, without public and political consultation, without rhetoric, policy tools were and are other: mass rallies, transparency, even without formal support of electoral populist speeches, threats to another, etc. We used the social programs of either parties'. networks only in two elections (2011-2013), so, this means Each party promised opening of the country in response to that they were used too late; among youth trends and long isolation, but each political party used its arrivals, traditional folk with oriental notes we proceed to choose the especially Islamic or Arab as critical identities of the other latter, rhetoric is and remains personal, demeaning, party. The same critical behavior used for Western models, offensive, exclusionary, new courageous ideas encounter as for example, Masonic movement, anti-globalization with the wall of the crowds that follow governments, groups, or investments of any Western foundation - always violence is not excluded as a political tool, and is when it comes to label the other party. So the "European" periodically part of rhetoric in politics, in parliament, in the and aspiring parties to EU do not admit the possibility that media, in public debates. the other may be just as dedicated and true European, and Fisher speaks for a democratic form of authoritarianism, that’s why it requires from the other, eastern critical meaning "a democratic system in form, but not democratic identities or other labeling. This dual behavior and with two in content. Elections are held, but they are not free and fair. standards continues to produce unnecessary conflicts, delays There are not political parties, but one party that dominates in the reform process, has public cost and undermines public for a long period. There is a Constitution that separates confidence in democracy and its values. governments, but the document is used only when it suits Another important aspect in the dual behavior of the political and the government is centralized in any case“, (Fischer, elite are political relations with the Arab countries, 2013). By bringing his assessment for the governing model especially Turkey. The latter is a member of NATO, rather of Albanian republic and monarchy period of the 30s, friendly with Albania, candidate country for EU, but in remains a feature of yesterday and today its determination on geopolitics carries the identity of the East. Although the nature of the east - west of the official mentality, relations between Albania and these countries have been and product, conduct and Albanian official declaration. are friendly, political leaders label each other for ottoman, Yesterday and today we seem to have "a political duality Arab or neo-ottoman belonging when they want to attack between Western constitutionality and Oriental despotism, and appear as western alternative. This behavior has its own that could create a composed system of Western and eastern explanation. The concept of Orientalism often is "based on political ideas, perhaps more western in form and eastern in Western prejudices about the fundamentally corrupted and content " (Frashëri, 2013). The thesis of functioning state degenerated nature of the Orientals and of the Orient" and society "as in Ottoman times" (Elsie, 2012) in an (Sulstarova, 2006, 60). This is expressed particularly in environment of permanent bureaucratic corruption, with political discourse and apparent separation between positive incompetence in the administration of the country and model (Western politician behavior) and negative model decisions just based on personal knowledge of a number of (abnormal behavior policies, corruption, tribal, eastern). other authors, mostly foreigners, to whom Ottoman Oriental practice of labeling as a tool to attack another, and influence remains present in culture and shaping of the both of dualism in political behavior was witnessed in the social relations between the individual and the state. two last elections. In 2011 the new mayor of the Municipality of Tirana, now opposition leader, inaugurated Conclusions

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Interdisplinary Journal of Research and Development “Alexander Moisiu“ University, Durrës, Albania Vol (I), No.1, 2014 ______"Albania as Europe” remains a political project without 5. Fischer. B. 2013. Intervistë. Gazeta “Dita”, 30 maj opposition, is seen as a major national interest, considered a 6. Biberal, B. 2011. Top Channel 7.10.2011 Elez Biberaj thesis of every political and electoral program in 23 years, dhe “Shqipëria në Tranzicion” however, the realization of this project still remains distant. 7. Duka.V. 2012 Shumica e historianëve nuk kanë të bëjnë The changing of the political system became through several me politikën. Interviste. Gazeta Start. 5.12.2012 events and acts which lasted for weeks or months (1990- 8. Fischer. B. 2013 Intervistë. Gazeta “Dita”, 30 maj 2013 1991), but building a new political system was found to be 9. Fisher, B. 2012: Shqipnia po shkon mbrapsht ne much longer process than was imagined in the beginning. aspektin e demokracise, Gazetën Shqiptare, 22 dhjetor Because the new political elites came from the old political 2012 elites as a product of the following or their political behavior 10. Kajsiu, B. 2013. Dritëhijet e mesazhit të 23 qershorit, and its tools in achieving the goals were almost identical. , 28 Qershor, 2013 Need for public consumption and dignified international 11. Surroi, V. 2012. , 28.11.2012 presentation imposed to political elite a formal correct 12. Gjuraj, T. 2013 Tranzicioni shqiptar dhe behavior in relation to the slogans of European integration ndërkombëtarët 21.12.2013, MAPO and commitment, the need for votes and power within the 13. Frashëri. K. 2013. Analizë e Bernd Fischer, “Mbreti country imposed to the same political elite incorrect political Zog dhe përpjekja për stabilitet në Shqipëri, behavior, contrary to Western standards and practices. Shqiptarja.com, versioni print, dt.04.08.2013 Behavior as “Western" in statements and "East" on the long 14. Sulstarova, 2006. Personazhe orientaliste: Ali Pasha road of implementation of these statements created great dhe Xheladin Beu, në Politika&Shoqëria, 1 (16), 57-70. misunderstandings between Western aspirations and its 15. Karsten Jensen. 2012. Intervistë, Përmbushni minimal results. potencialin. Mos pranoni asgjë më pak nga liderët! 7 The conclusion of the material is that we are dealing with Janar 2012, Revista Java continuous coexistence between Western model in programs 16. Fuga. A. 2013. Jetojmë në demokracinë e opinionit, jo and eastern model in practical implementation of these të vendimmarrës. Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 9.4.2013. programs. The transition period created a dual system within 17. Sinani. Sh. 2013. Shqiptarët sot janë në thelb the political system, different behaviors and often parallel perëndimorë, por me një veshje orientale të karfosur walking within the same formal commitment, and so created fort. Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 18.3.2013. the coexistence between rhetoric and concrete acts, between 18. Duka. V. 2012.Pjesa më e madhe e historianëve nuk vision and behavior, between the slogan and means for its kanë të bëjnë me politikën. Intervistë, Gazeta Start, implementation. This coexistence conforms to a large extent 5.12.2012. with dilemmas, crises and major debates in every cell of the 19. Sinani.Gj. 2012. Te filozofia gjej kuptimin e jetës. Albanian society related to the affiliation and their future Intervistë, Gazeta Start, 19.11.2012 between the West and the East. This dual system essentially 20. Arolda, E. 2004. “Albania in Transition: Manipulation reflects the dilemmas of a society in transition and the yet or Appropriation of International Norms?” Southeast unfinished stage of political formulation, and takes values to European Politics, Vol. V, No. 1. better understand the critical balance of performance of the 21. Krasniqi, A. 2006 “Partitë Politike në Shqipëri (1920- democratic process in Albania in relation to the maximalist 2006)”, Tiranë: EDLOR. expectations and promises of the first years of the transition. 22. Pëllumbi, S. 2013. “ dhe Nacionalizmi”, Morava, Tiranë. Leterature 23. Meidani, R. 2005. “Integrimi i “jashtëm” dhe i 1. Maloki. K. 2003 “Oriental apo Oksidental”. Plejad, “brendshëm”, Panorama, 25/11. Tiranë,. 24. Sulstarova, E. 2012. “Bashkimi kombëtar dhe integrimi 2. Kadare, I. 2003.“Fete dhe qyteterimet ne mijevjecarin e evropian”, Gazeta “Shqip”, 6/6. ri", Tiranë, 25. Vorbsi, I. 2009. “Rhetoric and Communication in the 3. Alia. R. 1990. Fjalim në plenumi e 9-të të KQ të PPSH Albanian Politics”, University of Vienna. mbajtur 30 janar, ZP 4. Karsten Ankjaer Jensen. 2012. Shqipëria, dy dekatat e mundësive të humbura, intervistë, Java, 11/

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