Albanian Government halts public sector hiring ahead of May 11 elections
The Minister of State for the Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, Adea Pirdeni announced that all new public sector hiring will be suspended from March 3, in accordance with a government decision aimed at ensuring electoral neutrality. The measure applies to all ministries, state institutions, and state-owned companies, except for critical infrastructure, health, education, and defense, where urgent needs may justify exceptions.
Why is this important: The move is meant to prevent the misuse of state resources for electoral influence. It follows growing scrutiny over public sector employment practices ahead of elections. Strict monitoring of administrative resources and state-owned assets will be implemented during the pre-election period.
Context: Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Pirdeni emphasized that only recruitment processes already in progress will be completed.
“From March 3, no new recruitment procedures will be allowed. Ongoing processes must be finalized, but no new hiring will take place,” she stated.
She clarified that no ministries, agencies, or state-owned enterprises would be allowed to open new recruitment rounds, except in urgent cases related to essential services.
“In no ministry, subordinate institutions, or state-owned companies will there be new hiring procedures, except in emergencies in critical infrastructure, health, education, or defense,” Pirdeni said.
What’s next: The government has issued detailed guidelines for monitoring public administration activities during the electoral period. Ministers and institutional leaders will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the electoral code, conducting regular audits, and preventing the use of state resources for political purposes.
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