Prime Minister Edi Rama has apologized for using the phrase “political autism” in a campaign speech, following public backlash.
During a meeting with pensioners in Gjirokastra, Rama criticized opposition supporters for not understanding the importance of the May 11 elections. He also clarified his earlier use of the term “half-wits” to describe those who choose political options based on “shirt color” rather than substance.
“They criticize me for saying half the men are half-wits. I say it metaphorically. For me, whoever goes into the ‘swamp’ is a half-wit. To choose between the EU and the swamp, the swamp means you are not well. Politically, you are autistic. You are not well,” Rama stated.
Later, in a social media video, Rama expressed regret. “To err is human, but not to apologize when you err is not gentlemanly. I unintentionally offended autistic children and their parents by speaking of political autism, a phrase that stuck in my mind because it is often used in political and academic literature. I apologize and assure you of my respect and admiration for parents of children with special needs, which has led me to advocate for doubling their government support.”
Opposition leader Sali Berisha condemned Rama’s phrase as “reprehensible.” Rama responded by accusing the opposition of political opportunism. “The hounds behind me, who seized on autistic children to gain points with those parents, I promise to spend every energy until May 11 to teach them the lesson they deserve for all their countless wrongdoings against this country and its people,” Rama concluded.
