Speech of Prime Minister Rama at the presentation to the public of the Prime Minister’s Office ceremonial hall:

Good evening everyone!

It is quite clear to me that after Falma’s speech, many of you think that I will be talking long. I will not because Falma, who is the project manager, made an exhaustive presentation of the idea for this new space.

I just want to express my gratitude very humbly. I would like to express gratitude to the artists, to those three artists who are today claimed by the most prestigious museums of the world and who, despite their stratospheric quotation, gave Albania their completely voluntary contribution to be part of a project that is totally innovative, similar to this center for openness and dialogue which we want to make available to the public, to artists, publishers, film people, music people and protesters. Even those who protest against the government will have a chance to book this space and send their representatives, meet with relevant ministers and the prime minister in order to address issues while using the government’s television time.

Of course, they will not come in here to scream, because they can scream outside, but they will be here to talk, address issues and confront opinions. This said, I believe that both the canopy at the entrance, a work by the great artist Philippe Parreno, and the mushroom in the green space on the side of the building, a work by Carsten Höller, another renowned artist, are an invaluable asset. These works are part of some series found in the most famous museums of the world, but they are not series; they are unique pieces donated to Albania and will part of our art fund today and forever.

On the other hand I would like to express gratitude to our friends, architects Johan and Frik, who played a decisive role in the aesthetic and architectural direction of this great transformation, as well as to Anri Sala, who resurfaced once again his extraordinary skills for humanitarian activities that are directly related to art, culture, in addition to bringing here together many people and realize such wonderful things, like the one here today which, I am convinced, will be a Landmark beyond the borders of Albania.

Now it is up to us to make this center, starting from next fall, a center livable and lived by all of us together. I apologize to all those mentioned by Falma, for I won’t mention them again, starting from the European Commission to the World Bank, to a number of embassies, who very kindly joined this project and gave their contribution which, I hope, will continue, since the concept of this library is to continue being enriched on a variety of specific topics for specialists, but also for researchers and students.

I am concluding here to give you the opportunity to enjoy this first moment of the opening of this space, and of course to start thinking who among you, or among those who are not here today, will want to be part of this space and use it for civic, social and critical purposes. Looking forward to the beginning of fall, we will take our time and prepare properly in order to not leave any vacuum. Thank you very much!