When colours become politics... / Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana

This is what I find to be really inspiring, an example of true leadership: Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana (Albania) had to deal with poverty, criminality and a big lack of maintenance of cities buildings. There was really no money available. Being a former artist, he differs both in style and in ideas from grey politics we are used to seeing. By simply painting the buildings in the city, he did not only change the look of buildings, he managed to make people feel conscious and responsible for the streets they live. This simple and cheap but well performed plan significantly lowered criminality and raised people's well being.

I attended Rama's presentation at the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam in May 2007 and was not only impressed by his story but also by his inspiring enthusiasm and flair.

You can read more about Edi Rama, here: www.citymayors.com/mayors/tirana_mayor.html.