Education, healthcare, and agriculture competencies to be transferred to municipalities
Photo: Arbjan Mazniku
A project for the horizontal decentralization of competencies will transfer certain responsibilities in education, healthcare, and agriculture from their respective ministries to local municipalities. This project will be piloted for 12 months in the municipalities of Shkodër, Berat, Kolonjë, and Divjakë. Agreements were signed between the relevant ministers and the mayors of these municipalities, with Minister of State for Local Government, Arbjan Mazniku, presenting the initiative.
Why is this important: The local government has undergone a series of deep reforms over the past 10 years. The current project grants municipalities greater involvement and responsibilities in key areas such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. By empowering local governments, citizens are expected to benefit from higher quality services and quicker problem resolution. If the pilot proves successful, the government will consider expanding the reform nationwide.
What is this about:
Healthcare: greater involvement in administration and infrastructure
- Municipalities will participate in the appointment of health center managers.
- They will also be responsible for reconstructing health centers.
- Municipalities will collaborate with the Ministry of Health to supply centers with medications and medical materials.
Agriculture: advisory roles to assist farmers
- Municipalities will take on an advisory role, providing farmers with information and assistance regarding national support schemes and subsidies.
Education: administrative support and staff monitoring
- Municipalities will participate in appointing school directors and monitor the performance of educational staff.
- They will also have representatives on school boards and ensure transportation for students and teachers.
What was said: The Minister of State for Local Government emphasized that the pilot project aims to bring services closer to the people and evaluate whether this decentralization model is effective. “We have spent months assessing what competencies could be delegated for a one-year pilot,” he said. “At the end of this period, we will review the results and decide whether to expand or adjust the program for a broader decentralization reform.”
Context: The agreements were signed by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Koçiu, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu, and the mayors of Shkodër, Berat, Kolonjë, and Divjakë.
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