Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni came to the rescue of a local restaurant owner in Albania after a group of Italians skipped out on their bill. Meloni, who was visiting Albania as a guest of Prime Minister Edi Rama, took it upon herself to ensure that the owner was not left out of pocket.
Albania has been experiencing a tourist boom, thanks to its stunning white sand beaches and attractive prices compared to other European destinations. This has drawn the attention of many Italian tourists, who have been flocking to the Balkan country for their summer vacations.
The incident in question occurred in the city of Berat and quickly garnered attention in the local media. When Meloni caught wind of the news, she swiftly took action to rectify the situation. According to Prime Minister Rama, Meloni instructed the Italian ambassador to Albania to “go and pay the bill for these idiots.”
However, it was not just a matter of settling a tab for Meloni. Italian agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida, who also happens to be Meloni’s brother-in-law, confirmed that she saw it as a question of national pride. She wanted to ensure that the actions of a few individuals did not tarnish Italy’s reputation or strain the positive relationship between Italy and Albania.
In a recent television interview, Prime Minister Rama revealed that Albania is expecting around 500,000 visitors from Italy this year. Many Italians are choosing to forgo domestic trips in favor of exploring the beauty of Albania, thanks to the lower costs.
This incident serves as a reminder of the strong ties between Italy and Albania, as well as the increasing tourist flow between the two countries. It showcases the willingness of Italian leaders, such as Prime Minister Meloni, to step in and support their citizens, even when abroad. As the summer travel season continues, it is expected that the friendship and collaboration between these two nations will only grow stronger.
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