Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country’s opposition receives the majority of television coverage, rejecting accusations that Albanian media outlets are controlled by the government.

Speaking in the latest episode of his podcast “Flasim,” Rama referred to a report on political coverage in Albanian media, claiming that around 60% of television airtime is dedicated to the opposition.

“Any attempt to capture the media is an effort that does not lead to winning the hearts and minds of the people,” Rama said. “On the other hand, by leaving everyone free to say what they want, people can more easily distinguish the truth for themselves.”

The prime minister argued that claims by opposition figures that the media landscape in Albania is controlled are unfounded, insisting that media outlets operate freely.

Rama also criticized the current state of the opposition, saying that not only the Democratic Party of Albania, but the broader opposition camp, is facing what he described as a lack of leadership.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions between the ruling Socialist government and opposition parties ahead of the upcoming electoral period.