Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s decision to wear white sneakers with a dark blue suit at the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara drew attention beyond the alliance’s discussions on security and defense, prompting criticism from protocol experts.
While NATO leaders focused on defense spending, Ukraine and regional security, some media outlets and etiquette specialists also commented on the appearance of several participants.
Rama attended the summit in a dark blue suit paired with white sneakers instead of traditional formal shoes. Protocol experts said the footwear did not match the level of formality generally expected at a high-level state event.
Some observers linked Rama’s choice to his background as a former professional basketball player and his long-established preference for wearing sneakers at official engagements. However, diplomatic protocol specialists argued that personal style does not override formal dress standards for events involving heads of state and government.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini also attracted criticism after photographs showed part of his bare lower leg while he was seated with his legs crossed, a detail protocol experts described as inconsistent with formal diplomatic etiquette.
Czech protocol expert Ladislav Špaček said such details can create an unfavorable impression and do not conform to the conventions typically observed at official international gatherings.
Rama has frequently appeared in sneakers at international meetings, making the footwear a recognizable element of his public image, although it continues to divide opinion among protocol experts and commentators.