Sali Berisha outlines DP tourism program, promises wage support and legal reforms
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha presented several policy proposals for Albania’s tourism sector on Wednesday during a series of meetings with tourism operators. The opposition leader promised direct state support for off-season wages, amendments to the tourism law, and restrictions on government involvement in the industry.
Why is this important: Tourism is one of Albania’s most important economic sectors. Berisha’s promises aim to win support from business owners and workers frustrated by high informality and perceived political interference. His proposed legal and financial interventions suggest a more activist state role under a future DP-led government.
Context: Berisha said a Democratic Party government would subsidize a portion of employee wages in the tourism sector during the off-season, to help businesses retain staff and operate year-round.
“The state will take on a share of wages for tourism workers outside peak season,” Berisha said.
“We will create a special task force for tourism, and the current law will be revised in consultation with you.”
He also pledged to reduce informality and simplify regulatory procedures. A key point in his platform is a legal barrier to prevent government officials and their family members from engaging in tourism-related businesses.
“Competition in this sector has been destroyed by government officials and their families. We will ban it by law,” he said.
On infrastructure: Berisha promised increased investment in infrastructure that supports tourism development, such as roads and transport hubs. However, he singled out the Vlora Airport project as an example of mismanagement and corruption under the current government.
“Vlora Airport is the symbol of theft. We will end that model,” Berisha said.
The proposals are part of the DP’s broader economic platform, which Berisha has used to criticize the Socialist government’s record on development and governance in key industries.
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