From: Exit Staff
Albanian Government Announces EUR 50 million Crisis Assistance Package

The Minister of Finance, Delina Ibrahimaj, announced that the anti-crisis package totalling some EUR 50 million to protect the population from rising prices would be announced in a few days, but not everyone was happy.

In the Economy Committee, where the 2022 budget was discussed, Ibrahimaj said that the measures of the anti-crisis package would last longer than the first package, which was for three months.

“It is a support that aims to be more long-term than the previous one and will target the neediest categories”, said the minister.

According to Ibrahimaj, economic growth for 2022 is expected to be over 3.2 per cent as the measures taken by the government have influenced the reduction of consumption.

“Economic growth for 2022 will be more than 3.2%. Our forecasts for the end of 2022, but also for 2023, speak of a reduction in economic growth, mostly influenced by the fear of reduced consumption influenced by prices.”

Deputy Erion Brace from Ibrahimaj’s own party criticised the negligence of the government for their plans to cope with the crisis.

“The government should announce a savings plan for public institutions and beyond. All of Europe is doing it, only we continue to mess with electricity. Whoever wants it for luxury, must pay a different price than a pensioner”, he said.

The minister was harshly criticised by members of the Democratic Party, who condemned the socialist party for the planned EUR 4 million wooden garden to be constructed inside the grounds of the prime minister’s office, the so-called “Garden of Eden”.

“Public debt is over 100%. You don’t listen to ideas when we want to help with the economic crisis. I ask you about the installation and how in professional consciousness, you can allow it. How do you have this investment of EUR 4 million today?” said MP Leskaj.

The minister did not answer the question.