The Chair of the European Affairs Committee, Jorida Tabaku, has reacted on social media after the debate held yesterday in the European Parliament on the report on Albania.
In a video message, Tabaku emphasizes that although Albanian citizens behave like Europeans every day – in work, effort, and sacrifice – the main obstacle to Albania's European integration remains the current government.
"As the European Parliament report emphasizes, Albania poses an extraordinary challenge to democracy, to institutions, to free elections and to the rule of law," said Tabaku.
She pointed out the problems mentioned in the report: pressure on public administration, vote buying and intimidation, use of state resources for electoral campaigns. According to her, these are challenges that Albania in 2025 should not have, but unfortunately still does.
Another alarm raised by Tabaku is about corruption, which she described as a daily obstacle for citizens, from healthcare to property. “80% of Albanians believe that corruption directly harms their lives,” she stressed, writes A2 CNN.
In her message, Tabaku called for a new, comprehensive approach, with real reforms that are felt in the economy, the state, and the functioning of institutions. She criticized the fact that, even after 35 years, the country has failed to organize free and fair elections without interference from the ruling party.
“Europe sees us differently,” said Tabaku, “but unfortunately, the government still sees us through the lens of 35 years ago.”
Tabaku's speech:
Albanians behave like Europeans every day – in work, in effort, in sacrifice. In every activity they perform for their family and in their behavior towards the state.
Unfortunately, the main obstacle to European integration continues to be governance. Albania's main obstacle is the current majority. As mentioned in the European Parliament report, which was discussed yesterday and is being voted on today – Albania is an extraordinary challenge for democracy and institutions.
From flawed elections, pressure on the administration, vote buying, voter intimidation, and the use of the state for campaign purposes - these are all phenomena that should not exist in the Albania of 2025, but they do.
On the other hand, another major obstacle is corruption. 80% of Albanians believe that corruption hinders their lives, mainly in healthcare, police, education, property, mortgages and business.
Albania needs a completely new approach. For broad inclusion. For reforms that are felt in the economy. An economy that produces for everyone, not for a few people.
Reforms must start with business and move all the way to democracy – with institutions that are balanced, with a parliament that has a role, and even more fundamentally – with elections that respect standards.
Today, 35 years after the fall of the dictatorship, Albania is still unable to organize free elections. The party-state is still used in every cell to influence and manipulate the outcome.
These are the main issues raised by the European Parliament report. These are the challenges Albania faces today. And this is the path that must be followed: deep, comprehensive reforms and a fundamental change in the way the state functions.
Europe sees us differently. While the government continues to see us with the magnifying glass of 35 years ago. (A2 Televizion)
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