Edi Rama unveils Socialist Party electoral platform, promises economic growth and higher wages

Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the Socialist Party’s electoral platform on Saturday, outlining his plans to seek a fourth term in office. The main elements of the program include a significant increase in wages, targeted investments in social housing and energy infrastructure, and a tax amnesty for businesses. Rama also set ambitious goals for tourism growth and promised to continue his administration’s push for energy independence.

Why is this important: Rama’s proposals aim to boost household incomes and stimulate economic growth. By focusing on raising the minimum wage and public sector salaries, he hopes to improve living standards and maintain the economic momentum seen in recent years. The platform also reflects his confidence in securing a fourth mandate, presenting long-term goals for Albania 2030.

“This is a platform for Albania 2030, for a developed and sustainable Albania where European standards are no longer just an aspiration, but a tangible reality,” Rama declared.

Key elements: Rama’s platform includes a series of commitments, particularly focusing on the economy, wages, and tax reforms.

·       Minimum wage increase: From €400 to €500 starting January 2026.

·       Teacher salaries: Rising from €950 to €1,250 by 2030.

·       Doctor salaries: Increasing to €2,000.

·       Public sector salaries: Reaching a minimum of €1,200 per month.

 “In Albania 2030, teachers will have an average salary of €1,250. Doctors will earn up to €2,000, and the average public sector salary will be at least €1,200,” he said.

Pensions: The Prime Minister declared that the government is aiming for a €400 average pension for those with full contributions by 2030.

Business support and tax reform: To support businesses, Edi Rama pledged to implement a three-year tax amnesty. Under this plan, businesses will pay a 15% corporate tax on profits aligned with the country’s economic growth rate. Any additional profits will be taxed at a reduced rate of 5%.

Tourism and infrastructure: Rama also set ambitious goals for tourism, aiming to grow the number of visitors from 12 million in 2024 to 20 million by 2030.

“Tourist Albania has become a European trend. We can reach 20 million tourists by 2030, but we must focus on elite and eco-tourism,” he declared adding that the government already has over 50 contracts with luxury hotel chains and plans to expand the hospitality sector with 5-star resorts.

Energy sovereignty: Rama also highlighted Albania’s push for energy independence through investments in renewable energy. He promised to double energy production to 3,298 MWh by 2030, reducing reliance on imports and making Albania energy independent.

Additionally, he promised that the Durrës Port project will include a NATO-supported military terminal to enhance the country’s defense infrastructure.

“The new port will not only serve trade but also have a military side, and we are close to finalizing NATO’s financial support,” the Prime Minister declared.

Looking ahead: With his program emphasizing economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure development, Rama aims to convince voters that the Socialist Party remains the best choice to lead Albania toward its 2030 goals.