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.
Go deeper
Administrative Court reverses decision to expel Democratic Party MPs from Parliament
Published on November 6, 2024
Why is this important: The court’s decision comes just one day after the Democrats announced an end to their protests and the blocking of parliamentary proceedings, opting instead to return to normal parliamentary activities. Several MPs were still facing suspensions lasting up to 40 or 60 days. With the court’s ruling, these MPs can now participate in the upcoming plenary session on Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring parliamentary engagement.
SPAK cooperates with Italian authorities to dismantle major cocaine trafficking network
Published on November 6, 2024
Why is this important: The operation highlights the extensive reach and complexity of Albanian organized crime, which remains active in global drug trafficking networks. The collaboration between Albanian and Italian authorities, with support from Eurojust and Europol, underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating these networks. Over 25 arrests across Italy and Albania, alongside the seizure of large quantities of drugs, emphasize the ongoing threat these networks pose to European security.
SPAK Chief leads delegation to Brazil to tackle Albanian organized crime
Published on November 6, 2024
Why is this important: Albanian organized crime networks have expanded their reach across South America, playing a significant role in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine from the region to Europe. This visit highlights international efforts to dismantle these powerful networks. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana broke the news and underscored the importance of this collaboration, given the transnational nature of these criminal enterprises.