“Taxes on days, water and businesses that do not pay will be collected” The delayed “deal” BY CAVROSH LEVONJA The Prime Minister yesterday formalized the report on the completion of negotiations between the government and the trade unions to set next year’s minimum wage and pension. It is learned that, responding to journalists’ questions at the end of the meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Majko confirmed that wages will increase by an average of 3.8 percent, while pensions by 5.9 percent. Likewise, in a statement made before the media and trade-union representatives, the head of government said that next year’s budget will register wage growth of 7.4 percent. The PDS considered this figure inaccurate, as according to it increases would not be promised but instead collected through taxes. For its part, the Party of Legality described the Prime Minister’s statement as a political deception. According to the Prime Minister, the increase in minimum pensions will offset the inflation rate. In a statement for “Koha Jonë,” Prime Minister Pandeli Majko said that the minimum pension in the countryside for next year is expected to be 5,180 lekë, while the maximum pension will rise to 6,570 lekë. In the city, the minimum pension will be 6,140 lekë. According to the Prime Minister, within the framework of increasing old-age pensions, pensions for veterans of the LANÇ have also been planned, ranging from 1,540 lekë to 2,200 lekë. Meanwhile, according to the head of government, the minimum wage proposed by the government for the private sector is 8,500 lekë, for state enterprises 7,800 lekë, while for budget-sector employees the minimum wage is 7,300 lekë. Average wages in the public administration and in the state sector will increase by 8 percent. Likewise, in media and telecommunications the minimum wage will be 10,000 lekë. As for wage formation in the private sector, increasing work and difficult employment conditions will determine the weight of employees’ wages. During yesterday’s meeting and in contacts with the trade unions, the government determined that this year in the public administration and in state sectors wages will rise by 3.8 percent. Likewise, in health care, education and culture wages will rise by 4.5 percent. These figures have been disputed by the trade unions. It is learned that at yesterday’s meeting and in contacts with the trade unions, the government clarified that the source for wage and pension increases will be found from several other budget items. The Ministry of Finance, according to official sources, explained yesterday to the trade unions that wage and pension increases can also be financed from additional revenues from privatization, as well as from greater efficiency by the customs administration. It is also expected that fines will be collected from businesses that do not pay for electricity and water. Supporters of Azem Hajdari searching for the killer of the PD leader

Supporters of Azem Hajdari searching for the killer of the PD leader Photo LEONARD FILOPATI

First vote fails: 9 votes for and 8 against The final declaration is forgotten The final meeting at the Central Election Commission. It was scheduled to meet today for the last time and, as announced, to return to the Albanians with no way back, but the issue of the final declaration has been postponed to another moment. After this time, with a proper observation, this must happen. According to the CEC, 50.57 percent of the Albanian electorate took part in the vote. In the first vote on the final declaration the required majority was not reached. The result was 9 votes in favor and 8 against. This led to a postponement of the decision. For the OSCE head Vokera, this is a serious moment. He said there will be a position from the commission once it consults with the government. According to him, the final report is not ready yet. The earlier distributed statement stressed that the elections were a step toward stabilizing the country, but required improvements in administration. [?]

At last, the national road near the American embassy opens, after being blocked last week as a result of the gathering of protesters. The road, which serves as the main link of the busy neighborhood with the Selitës-Bllokut road, [?.] This national road will open tomorrow, as confirmed by the manager of the company carrying out the works. The road closure caused considerable delays in traffic. But of course the American embassy requested the public restoration of traffic and calm. According to official sources, the works will be completed soon and traffic will return to normal. [?.]