A unique seafood restaurant named Trattoria Meloni has opened in Shëngjin, a northern Albanian port town. It is not just any restaurant, but one dedicated to Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right prime minister. The location of this restaurant adds to its intrigue as it lies near a camp where asylum seekers aiming to enter the EU will have their claims processed. This center is part of a controversial migration deal initiated by Meloni and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The Restaurant’s Unique Atmosphere
Owner Gjergj Luca, a well-known restaurateur with close ties to Edi Rama, has filled his establishment with 70 portraits of Meloni, capturing her at various stages of life—from childhood to her current role as a politician. Luca describes the creation as a blend of cuisine, art, and politics.
In an interview with AFP, Luca expressed his admiration for Meloni’s character, calling her “extraordinary,” even though his political views may differ. He hopes to host Meloni at his restaurant one day, where she can enjoy both the food and the numerous portraits dedicated to her.
A Controversial Pact with Albania
The proximity of the restaurant to a migration center is no coincidence. The camp is one of two facilities expected to process asylum claims under a deal struck between Italy and Albania. Men intercepted while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa will be sent to these centers, funded by Italy. The deal, though criticized by human rights organizations as illegal under international law, has received EU backing.
Meloni has been a driving force behind such migration policies, including a similar agreement with Tunisia. Her hardline stance on migration has been controversial, with past statements advocating the sinking of boats rescuing migrants. Despite the criticism, the centers are welcomed locally as they provide jobs in a struggling region of Albania.
Artistic Interpretation of a Political Figure
The restaurant’s artistic aspect was brought to life by Helidon Haliti, a prominent Albanian artist. Haliti, who painted all the portraits of Meloni, described her as a “very interesting and strong character.” Although he does not share her political beliefs, he approached the project with passion. He likened his work to the postmodern tradition of artists like Andy Warhol, who famously depicted Marilyn Monroe without needing permission. Haliti considers his portrayal of Meloni a success, blending political subject matter with artistic expression.
The Impact of Meloni’s Migration Policies
Meloni’s policies are not limited to Albania. In July 2023, she played a key role in securing a controversial deal between the EU and Tunisia aimed at curbing migration. The arrangement involved paying Tunisia to prevent migrant boats from departing its shores while investing in the country’s economy. Though the deal initially saw limited success, it is now credited with reducing the number of migrants reaching Europe.
However, such deals have faced strong criticism for their humanitarian impact. Migrants returned to Libya under a similar agreement in 2017 have been subjected to torture and abuse in detention camps. Recent reports by The Guardian also exposed horrific treatment of migrants in Tunisia, raising questions about the morality and effectiveness of these migration policies.
