Albania’s 2025 budget faces opposition protests
Albania’s 2025 draft budget, the largest ever at 8.2 billion euro, is set for a marathon two-day parliamentary session on November 18-19. The opposition Democratic Party, which recently returned to Parliament after weeks of blockades and protests, has announced plans to mobilize supporters for a protest outside Parliament to oppose the budget’s approval.
Why is this important: The last time the opposition Democrats approved a budget was in 2012. It was half the size of the upcoming 2025 budget. However, Democrats argue that despite its size the 2025 budget fails to support vulnerable groups and the middle class. They have submitted two amendments to address these shortcoming: one proposing a special status for miners and another calling for the establishment of a living wage.
Context: Sali Berisha, the opposition leader, has expressed skepticism that the majority will accept the proposed amendments so he has called for a protest outside Parliament on the day of the budget vote. “The approval of this budget will be met with a powerful protest around Parliament. Citizens, pensioners, farmers, the unemployed, and small businesses—everyone who wants to raise their voice against the year’s biggest plundering, the looting of the budget in this Parliament of crime,” Berisha said.
Opposition’s economic promises: If they return to power, the Democrats pledge significant economic reforms, including:
- Flat tax rate of 9% to replace the current progressive tax system.
- Living wage of €200 and a minimum salary increase from 40,000 lekë to 50,000 lekë.
- Raising the average salary from 95,000 lekë to 120,000 lekë.
- Comprehensive wage reform to support economic growth and equity.
What next: The opposition’s chances of winning the 2025 election appear slim, allowing it to be generous with its promises. These proposals lack any accompanying financial plan, and the current protests seem more performative than well-thought-out political strategies. In a now-familiar pattern, the opposition is likely to continue protesting and disrupting the political process at any cost—until either the elections arrive or Sali Berisha’s legal troubles reach a critical point, whichever comes first.
Go deeper
Albania to ban TikTok and implement school safety plan following tragic incident
Published on December 21, 2024
Why is this important: The dramatic decision follows extensive consultations, involving over 1,300 meetings with parent councils nationwide, initiated in response to concerns over the rise of violence and bullying among students. The government views the TikTok ban as a crucial measure to curb the harmful effects of online content and protect young people.
Albanian and Kosovo Parliaments convene in Pristina for joint session
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: The session was particularly significant given the strained relations between Rama and Kurti over the past two years. Their discord began after Rama postponed a planned joint government meeting in Kosovo. Today’s gathering not only united the two leaders in the Pristina Parliament but also included a private meeting in Kurti’s office, where they signed an agreement to host the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. In his address, Rama delivered pointed messages directed at Kosovo, the European Union, and the ongoing sanctions imposed on Kosovo.I’m
Kosovo’s Special Prosecution summons Prime Minister Kurti for questioning again
Published on December 20, 2024
Why is this important: This marks the second attempt by prosecutors to secure Kurti’s testimony, following his absence from an earlier session due to being abroad. The summons has sparked controversy, with representatives of the government accusing the Special Prosecution of political bias, despite Kurti being summoned in the capacity of a witness. The development highlights a politically charged dynamic between Kosovo’s government and judiciary.