"47 billion lek is not enough for effective local governance"/ Qosja: We demand a doubling of the sectoral offer and a special fund for rural municipalities

2025-11-26 12:47:00, Politikë CNA

"47 billion lek is not enough for effective local governance"/ Qosja:

The President of the Association of Local Elected Officials, Fisnik Qosja, has submitted to the Economy Commission a request for higher funding for local self-government authorities.

Qosja stated that although an increase in funding is foreseen, this does not meet the needs of local self-government authorities. He also said that the 47 billion lek mainly included salary policies and legal obligations, but not a real increase in capacities for effective governance.

" Local government exists to respond to the needs of citizens where their daily services are affected. All mayors and local administrations are close to the people and our responsibility is very great due to our higher responsibility to provide these services in a qualitative and equitable manner throughout the territory. Therefore, municipalities need sustainable financing that is realistically linked to the costs for the tasks delegated to them, even though the budget foresees an increase that does not meet the needs of local self-government power.

Rural and mountainous areas with dispersed populations are facing increased service costs while financial resources are not keeping up.

The unconditional transfer of 47 billion lek mainly includes salary policies and legal obligations, but not real capacity building for effective governance. The current funding formula does not reflect the real costs of decentralized functions.

"Municipalities shoulder infrastructure that requires constant maintenance, services, and dispersed communities."

The Mayor of Kavaja submitted several requests, asking for a doubling of the offer for education and social services, as well as the creation of a special fund for rural municipalities.

Our demands are clear and based on real analysis:

" First: Doubling sectoral supply by 2026. Current funding for preschool education, social services, culture and community activities is much lower than costs. Doubling is necessary to guarantee equal service standards.

Second: Creating a special fund for rural and mountainous municipalities. This fund should take into account the challenges of mountainous territories, low population density and high infrastructure costs, as without this instrument, territorial inequalities will deepen.

Qosja stated that Kavaja faces a lack of funding even though 70% of the territory is hilly and has high costs.

"The Municipality of Kavaja faces a significant lack of funds, especially in rural infrastructure, funding is insufficient even though they are important for the economy and mobility of communities and tourism.

The municipality of Kavaja has a territory of 200 square km and a population of 85 thousand inhabitants, 70% of the territory is hilly with little investment over the years.

The Helmës and Luz i Vogël units are problematic. Compared to other municipalities, grants have been significantly lower.

"With the current budget, it is impossible to cover the basic needs of the villages," the mayor declared./ CNA