Explained: Why Albanian premier wants to establish theocratic state?

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s plan to establish a Vatican-like theocratic state has provoked a backlash among many in Albania.

Rama announced his decision in an interview with the New York Times, raising concerns due to the lack of public discussion within the country. Albanians learned Prime Minister Rama’s intentions through coverage in foreign media sources.

Rama’s plan elicited widespread shock due to the ongoing economic depression and demographic crisis in the country while his proposal is mainly seen as a public relations campaign on the international stage.

Many wonder whether Rama’s plan will address the country’s pressing issues.

Rama’s controversial ideas regarding theocratic state ‘not new’

Speaking to Türkiye Today, Mentor Beqa, an Albanian international relations expert, noted that Rama is known for his controversial ideas and attempts, such as his effort to form a Christian-Islamic political party with a priest in the 1990s.

Why it matters

Rama announced he would outline plans for a new state entity, which will be called the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order, with its own passport and borders. Rama stated that the goal of establishing this new state is to promote a “tolerant version of Islam.” Albanian experts commented Rama is engaged in an international public relations campaign ahead of 2024’s elections.

Is it possible?

The claim of establishing a “Muslim state” within Albania would be illegal and considered treason under Albania’s constitution and penal code. Article 208 explicitly forbids the surrender of any part of the country’s territory to a foreign state or power, which would violate the nation’s territorial integrity. While the phrasing leaves room for interpretation, the intent is clear. 

Beqa maintained that such an act is prohibited by law and that Rama would need constitutional amendments, which he cannot achieve due to his lack of a parliamentary majority.

Bektashi people in Türkiye react to Rama’s statement

According to a report by Serbestiyet, Bektashi leadership in Türkiye stated: “Following the tradition that has continued for centuries, the head of the Bektashis should reside within the borders of Türkiye. (Rama’s) project appears to be a trap so that imperialist states can take advantage of the Alawite belief.”

This statement was made by senior Bektashi leader Haci Dursun Gumusoglu upon the order of Bektashi’s top leader, Ali Hayar Ercan.

How big is Albania’s Bektashi community?

The Bektashi Sufi Shia sect, led by Baba Edmond Brahimaj (Baba Mondi), an ex-military officer trained under the communist regime, is at the center of this controversy. He assumed leadership after the death of Baba Reshat Bardhi in 2011.

According to the last census, Albania has 115,644 Bektashi citizens out of 2.4 million citizens in total.

Recently, Baba Mondi became the first Muslim cleric to meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Albania, a gesture seen by some as serving Israel’s interests and reputation. Herzog’s visit to Baba Mondi in September 2024 led to controversies and conspiracies, especially during Israel’s multi-front war and atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon.

Albanian media reported that the supposed territory of the “new state” would be only a quarter the size of Vatican City, situated in eastern Tirana. “Size doesn’t matter,” Baba Mondi commented.

Zoom out

With elections approaching next May, this could be an electoral maneuver by Rama to secure votes. Although the Bektashi community is small, such a move might attract a few thousand votes. There’s speculation about the location of this “state” and land ownership, raising concerns that it could be a land grab for development projects benefiting politicians like Rama.

Zoom in

Albanian journalist Elis Gjevori commented: “Looking back, Rama has allowed similar entities to operate within Albania, such as the Iranian Mujahedeen’s Ashraf 3 camp, established in 2017, where the Albanian government does not intervene.”

“Likewise, the immigration deal with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has led to migrant camps where Italian law prevails, further eroding Albania’s sovereignty. Now, this latest plan could be another test of Albania’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Gjevori added.

In short

The general public views Rama’s plan as unrealistic and unhelpful given the country’s pressing issues. It is very doubtful if Rama can carry out the plan that he announced considering the legal restrictions and lack of local support for the plan.