Defence Minister Niko Peleshi admitted that the state was not ready or prepared for this summers wildfire season that killed two people and devastated thousands of hectares of countryside, orchards, and crops.
During a law commission hearing on Monday, Peleshi spoke about the situation between July and September in the country. He admitted that “we are not where we need to be in terms of readiness, be it air, sea, or maintenance.”
He continued that Albania and his ministry has “poor levels of preparedness especially in the air force”, adding that “operators did not respond in time and some did not respond at all.”
The minister said they are trying to improve the situation to delegate it to more organized structures. He also hinted that more equipment would be purchased at more competitive prices and that the responsibility for purchasing could be handed over to NATO.
In terms of financing, Peleshi said the budget for civil emergencies was allocated EUR 20 million and that all staff would receive a 30% pay rise.
The government has been aware of its shortcomings in fighting wildfires for almost a decade. Multiple recommendations have been made to the government on how to prevent catastrophes during the summer months. These included practical, strategic, and legislative changes yet none were seemingly enacted.
Exit Explains: Wildfires, Prevention, Propaganda, and the Use of Helicopters in Albania
