CORRUPTION

Corruption, “air war” However difficult Albania under corruption may be, its government cannot easily get out of this disaster. It is the disease from which it is trying to force itself to declare itself clean, while in fact it is suffocating it. This is how the visit to Tirana of the American Secretary of Commerce, William Daley[?], began in his speech delivered before the guests at Hotel Tirana. Describing this vice as a cancer in the business environment and a major obstacle to strengthening the state, the head of the American delegation dwelt on the role of politics and government. Reminding the Albanian state that it needs strong law, he emphasized that in Albania the fight against corruption must be long-term. He further described it as a war the government is waging against itself. With a certain irony, he said that in the case of corruption Albania should learn from the experiences of other countries. Otherwise, we are convinced that it is hard to do business with Albania, where there are bribes, bribes[?] and corrupt officials. He adds that the fight is not waged with fiery speeches, nor with the press[?] and propaganda, but with concrete steps and procedures. Rejecting the practice of the acting Speaker, who has stated that the right way is criminal prosecution of former ministers and high-ranking officials, the statements of the American ambassador imply something different. He asks that this fight not be used to bring political opponents before justice, but be extended to uncover all corrupt officials. This was also formalized above and below by the Director of the Office for Trade and Development at the American State Department, Mike[?] Mud. Casting light especially on corruption in customs, he stated that Albanians know very well what a serious situation exists in customs. When asked about the opposition's accusations that the government's fight against corruption is being used for political selection, the American secretary remained silent. Logic leads one to where the director of this office said that the economic ministries know very well what must be done and that they should cut off the corrupt bureaucrats themselves. Avoiding the role of judge, his answer suggests that the government is not doing what it should against the phenomenon of bribery. By clarifying or eliminating every alibi, the American Secretary of Commerce raises the question: Does the Albanian government really want to free itself from this disease, or does it need it as an alibi before the October 1 elections? So far, the answers that the government, under Prime Minister Majko, is directly involved in corruption continue to emerge after the visit. This was made public today by the head of the anti-corruption committee attached to the government, Jemin Gjana, before officials of the Council of Europe. This and other facts make it quite clear that the government is losing everything in the fight against corruption. Only if it convinces the public that it is creating the law to keep those responsible for corruption at arm's length can it say it is doing its duty. In addition, to frame the fight against corruption as non-political does not mean to avoid it. On the contrary, it increases the state's responsibility to stand up to it. So far, it is enough to note that it is more of a propaganda battle than a real fight. Ultimately, and after all, real governments do not let the fight against corruption be financed, which leads you where you must be.

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