Ilir Meta Pledges Support for Women in Albania's Freedom Party Amid Obstacles

Ilir Meta, the leader of the Freedom Party in Albania, has pledged to support women in the party, acknowledging the many hurdles they have faced. At a recent Steering Committee meeting, Meta emphasized the importance of women's involvement in the party's activities and the upcoming April 27 convention.

During the meeting, there was an ironic encounter between Meta and Monika Kryemadhi, also a member of the Freedom Party. Despite recent political and family conflicts, they greeted each other cordially, with Kryemadhi showing Meta a t-shirt that read 'Here I am'. Meta responded with a smile, indicating he has passed this challenge from Kryemadhi.

Meta acknowledged the presence of 'guests' at the meeting, to which Kryemadhi replied that they belong to the house and are not guests. She emphasized that the party's priorities should be opening up and creating new spaces, rather than making exceptions. Kryemadhi stated, "Meritocracy is more important than servility, and the party needs a new program and space that creates opportunities for women and girls, not those who are used and pitted against each other."

In his speech, Meta highlighted the significance of the upcoming convention, stating that most of the guests and half of the participants will be women and girls. He praised women who are 'men in character' and criticized those who are 'jealous of women'. Meta suggested that at the convention, women in the Freedom Party will 'erupt' and many others will approach the party.

Why this matters: The pledge by Ilir Meta to support women in Albania's Freedom Party comes at a time when women's participation in politics is gaining attention. The obstacles faced by women in the party and Meta's commitment to addressing them reflect the broader challenges of gender equality in Albanian politics.

The ongoing political crisis within the Freedom Party has also affected the personal relationship between Meta and his wife, Monika Kryemadhi. Kryemadhi has sent a message to Meta before the meeting, calling for the revitalization of the party through meritocracy and different thinking. She implied that Meta must stop 'bullying' and excluding members of the party who think differently.

As the Freedom Party prepares for its April 27 convention, the increased involvement of women and the push for creating new opportunities for them within the party will be closely watched. Meta's pledge to support women, along with Kryemadhi's call for meritocracy and openness to new ideas, suggests a potential shift in the party's dynamics and a greater focus on gender equality in Albanian politics.

Key Takeaways

• Ilir Meta pledges to support women in Albania's Freedom Party.
• Monika Kryemadhi, Meta's wife, calls for meritocracy and new thinking in the party.
• Upcoming Freedom Party convention to have increased women's participation.
• Meta criticizes 'jealous of women' and praises 'men in character' women.
• Article highlights challenges of gender equality in Albanian politics.