TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama stated today that the new fiscal package is not the result of an ideological shift to the left, but rather a direct outcome of the country’s economic growth, which has made previously unaffordable measures possible.
Addressing the Socialist Party Assembly, Rama noted that while the government had long intended to cut VAT on the basic food basket, it could only act once the necessary budgetary space was secured.
The same applies to lowering fuel prices at the pump,” Rama continued. “We have said many times that given the rising cost of living—which puts immense pressure on ordinary people and strains their trust in the state—this pricing structure needs to be addressed. It is a necessary step that we first started discussing two years ago,” Rama emphasized. According to Rama, carrying it out cost around €450 million, which had to be covered by other financial sources. “Why do the numbers work today?” Rama asked. “Because the economy is performing at its best, our revenue base has grown, and public debt has not increased.
PM Rama highlighted the new ‘baby bonus’ scheme, noting that the current program is more extensive because the economy’s capacity has grown.
“Naturally, we want to do much more for pensioners. We have always wanted to, but now we are able to do what was not possible until recently. In January, pensioners will once again receive a doubling of the supplement granted last January; we remain committed to upholding this promise—every January, year after year. Why? Because the economy allows us to do so,” said Rama. /k.s/j.p/p.s./
