Democratic MP criticizes Albania’s pension system, calls for deep reform

In a Facebook post, Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku criticized Albania’s pension system, describing the current benefits as insufficient and unfair to the 700,000 pensioners who depend on them. She argued that the pensions provided by the government are more like handouts than fair compensation for the contributions these individuals made throughout their working lives.

Why is this important: Jorida Tabaku has maintained a serious and constructive profile in Albania’s Democratic Party, often setting herself apart by engaging in meaningful policy discussions rather than disruptive opposition. However, her voice is increasingly isolated within a party that has favored confrontational tactics. Tabaku’s analysis of government policies reflects her effort to propose solutions rather than merely criticize, making her an exception in a party focused on obstruction.

Context: Tabaku pointed out that the government’s economic model is one of the main reasons for the unsustainable pension system. She argued that the economy must generate real growth and jobs to support a healthy pension scheme. According to her, wage increases dictated by the government, rather than market needs, have only worsened the situation.

• Jorida Tabaku: “A healthy economic model offers a sustainable pension system. But today, wages are raised by remote control, not according to the needs of the market or businesses. This leaves the pension system in serious doubt.”

What is this about: Tabaku highlighted that pensioners make up 30% of Albania’s population, one of the highest ratios in the region. According to her, the 2015 pension reform has failed to ensure a dignified life for retirees, calling it a broken scheme that no longer meets the needs of its beneficiaries.

• Jorida Tabaku: Albania has the highest percentage of pensioners relative to its population, at 30%. Today, 700,000 pensioners depend on what are essentially handouts, not pensions. The recent increase—just 25 lekë per day—shows that the pension system has failed to offer a dignified life to our pensioners.

Tabaku called for a deep reform of the pension system, urging the government to adopt a new economic model that promotes business growth and job creation, which in turn would strengthen the pension scheme.