1996—A year of great achievements
The year 1996 was a year in which Albanians averted great misfortunes.
In the new parliamentary elections of 26 May and the local elections of 20 October, they definitively broke away from communism. They firmly affirmed their Western democratic orientation; unlike many peoples of Eastern Europe, a new democratic government was formed with a four-party coalition, presenting a dignified program for Albania in the years leading up to 2000.
This year also saw very active engagement in our foreign policy. Many important international visits were exchanged. Albania sponsored important resolutions on the Kosovo issue. It consolidated its role as a factor for peace and stability in the region. It took important steps towards its integration into Europe. Cooperation with the Council of Europe, the EU and NATO reached new and higher-quality levels.
The Albanian Parliament passed 64 laws. The adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights, the European Convention against Torture, and the anti-crime and anti-corruption package were important events for Albanian democracy as a whole.
There was an undeniable achievement in maintaining public order through identifying criminals and uncovering criminal organizations, such as the discovery of the organization “Hakmarrja e drejtësisë së popullit”. Crime fell by 16%, while murders fell by 3%.
The Albanian army continued to deepen its overall reform. Albania took part in the IFOR forces and is now participating in Bosnia. Joint maneuvers were held with friendly countries, during which our military personnel demonstrated a high level of training.
The year 1996 may be considered a year of consolidation, rapid economic growth and deeper reforms. Albania has the fastest economic growth in Europe. Salaries for public-sector employees rose by 30%. The value-added tax system was introduced at a rate of 12.5%, which is also the lowest in Europe. The prices of wheat and bread were liberalized. The state has committed itself to lower taxes in 1997. A strategy for privatizing the banks has been prepared. Meanwhile, compensation of former owners with plots of land on the coast has begun.
There were also developments in infrastructure. The number of telephones increased by 60%. The mobile-phone system was introduced. All preparations have been completed, and tenders for beginning work on the national East–West and North–South road routes will be announced at the beginning of the New Year. 300 million dollars have been secured from the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the PHARE Program, the Italian Government and the Albanian Government.
During this year, 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises and 47 joint-stock companies were privatized, at a value three times greater than in 1995. Exports increased by 20%. The issue of the gold inherited from the Second World War was resolved. 80 million dollars have been invested in the oil sector. Work began at Rinas Airport. Major domestic and foreign firms and companies made significant investments. Two important trade fairs opened in Tirana. Albania conducts 75% of its foreign trade with EU countries.
Culture, entertainment and other art forms reached high-quality levels and a pan-European scale. The number of students increased by 25%.
In 1996, the welfare state took on new dimensions. The education budget increased. Agricultural land taxes for 1994–96 were waived. The National Labour Council was established. The status of orphans, persons with disabilities and blind people was approved. Albania acceded to three international conventions. These are outstanding evidence of justice, of the success of the program of the Democratic Party and the Government, and of their sincere commitment to the Albanian people.
As President Berisha has said, 1997 will be a year of consolidating democracy and its structures, enforcing the law and successfully fighting crime; of double-digit economic growth, mass privatization and international influence. The year 1997 will bring further progress in resolving the Kosovo issue. It will be a year of further integration of Albania into Europe.