Italy’s government has taken a notable diplomatic step by compensating an Albanian restaurant for the cost of a meal that went unpaid, following the departure of four Italian tourists without settling their bill.
The incident, which triggered this diplomatic response, unfolded when a group of four Italian tourists left Guva Mangalem, a restaurant located in the Albanian city of Berat, without paying their bill of €80 (equivalent to over 8,500 Albanian lek). The restaurant’s CCTV footage capturing the departure of these diners gained widespread attention in both Albania and Italy.
The incident garnered such significant attention that it even found its way into the discussion during a recent visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister, raised the matter with his Italian counterpart during the visit.
The Italian Embassy in Tirana, the capital of Albania, issued a statement affirming the resolution of the matter. The statement highlighted, “On the recommendation of the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, we proceeded to settle the bill left unpaid by a group of Italian tourists at a restaurant in the city of Berat. The Italians respect the rules and pay off their debts, and we hope that episodes of this kind will not repeat themselves.”
This diplomatic act underscores the commitment to uphold principles of accountability and respect in international interactions, reflecting the countries’ shared values of responsible behavior and adherence to regulations.
