The PD has kept its word
After three years of governance by the Democratic Party
Arguments and their fulfilment
IN THE ECONOMIC FIELD
The transformation of the economy into a market economy has included the broad privatization of state property in industry, trade, construction, agriculture, transport and services. Private enterprise has been encouraged through a favourable fiscal policy and through credit. The conditions have been created for a free market in property, goods, capital and labour.
Assistance for vulnerable groups and the unemployed.
In implementing our 1992 programme, the main aim was to achieve progressive steps in improving the population’s standard of living. This would be done by stabilizing prices and creating macroeconomic balances and equilibria. Covering the essential needs of the minimum subsistence level for pensioner and unemployed families.
They have increased by 1800%, with indexation of up to 50% of output.
Now the unemployment rate is around 11 percent, whereas in 1992 it was 26 percent. If seasonal, occasional jobs, etc. are also taken into account, the number of employed people reaches 91 thousand. The salaries of state-budget employees have also been adjusted by government decisions. This has meant that minimum pensions are above 21 dollars, compared with 2.7 dollars in 1992. The minimum rural pension has increased thirteenfold. Noticeable improvements have been made in the protection and support of vulnerable groups.
VII Full privatization of housing
Assistance and provision of aid and social insurance for the poorest part of the population. Economic assistance from the state budget alone has reached 47% of total budget expenditure.
Through housing reform, at very low cost, by privatizing state apartments, Albanian families became owners of their own apartments. So far, more than 95 percent of them have been privatized.
VIII Privatization of land
At the centre of our reforms was the land issue, which for hundreds of thousands of families was the means of livelihood. From January 1993 until the end of February of this year, more than 97% of the land area available to the village has been distributed. 375 thousand ownership certificates for land have been issued. Around 470 thousand certificates for dwellings and plots have been distributed.
IX. Rapid privatization of trade, services and small and medium-sized enterprises
By the beginning of 1995, of the 347 small enterprises that had been planned, 334 had been privatized. 259 trade and service facilities were privatized by auction and 391 facilities were leased with the right to sell. The process is moving toward a successful conclusion.
X. Cleaning the industrial environment and urban centres from pollution
For the first time in 50 years, Albania is investing in cleaning the urban and industrial environment. Highly polluting facilities have been closed and investments are being made in waste treatment.
XI. Valuation of real estate according to modern criteria
An inseparable objective of our programme is the creation of a modern market economy with clear property rights and clear valuation rules. Steps have been taken to register real estate and introduce the new valuation system.
XII. Consumer protection and the restoration of fair competition
New standards and rules for the quality of goods and services are being established in the Albanian market. The relevant bodies are strengthening control.
XIII. Encouraging foreign investment and economic cooperation
Better conditions have been created for foreign investment and partnership with domestic and foreign entrepreneurs.
XIV. Campaign against smuggling and abuse
Strengthening economic order and the fight against evasion and smuggling have been an important direction.
XV. Improving monetary and banking services
The banking system has been oriented toward the new standards of the market economy.
IN THE FIELD OF FOREIGN POLICY
After 3 years in government, Albania is a full member of the Council of Europe, the Central European Initiative, and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation initiative. Albania has established diplomatic relations with 112 states. Following the agreement with the European Union on trade, work is under way on visa liberalization with European countries. Albania has become a promoter of stability in the region and an important factor for peace.