Pleurad Xhafa's 200 Million Euro Installation Destroyed in Albanian National Theater Demolition

Artist Pleurad Xhafa's installation 200 Million Euro was physically destroyed when the Albanian government demolished Tirana's National Theater on May 17, 2020. The work consisted of 500-euro notes printed on A4 paper, arranged within a glass cube atop a pedestal measuring 139.1 by 130 by 116 centimeters. Xhafa, who was arrested during protests against the demolition, created the piece to critique corruption, specifically referencing the recurring sum of 200 million euros linked to various scandals involving Albanian officials. The installation's six columns corresponded to six private towers planned for the public land. Prime Minister Edi Rama's government carried out the demolition during COVID-19 quarantine, an act widely condemned as illegal. Xhafa co-founded the Debatik Center for Contemporary Art, which supported the work and mobilized artistic community opposition. The artist described the sum as a 'mythic' figure cited in WikiLeaks cables and a 2015 OSCE report alleging Rama held secret offshore accounts. Built 80 years ago by Italian fascists, the theater had been occupied by protesters for over two years. Xhafa faces charges including resisting arrest and illegal gathering following his release from custody.