Fatmir Xhafaj, speech with an alibi, not a solution

2025-11-19 22:03:00, Politikë CNA

Today in the Assembly, MP Fatmir Xhafaj criticized the failure to realize budget funds by state institutions.

His speech raised questions about the approach and political responsibility that he and the majority hold for this situation.

Xhafaj said that the problem does not lie in the budget figure, but in the result, expressing regret that "a good part of the budget funds are not implemented."

He cited the influence of criminal justice and the administration's fear of legal liability as possible reasons, but without giving specific examples, leaving it open whether this is a cause or simply perception.

In this case, Xhafaj offers analysis, but not political responsibility. He limited himself to general criticism of institutions and their leaders, while for years his majority has had complete control over public administration, procurement, and fund management policies.

Instead of addressing structural failures or government responsibilities, Xhafaj focuses on the idea that some institutions work well and some do not, without explaining why this happens in a country where standards and control should be unified.

He also supports the idea that "leaders, motivation and selection of staff" are key to budget implementation, raising the question of who appointed these leaders and who created the system that he himself criticizes today.

In the end, his statement leaves the main question unanswered:

How is it possible that, after more than a decade in power, the majority continues to justify the administration's dysfunctions with fear of justice or the incompetence of subordinates?

Until these questions are addressed and not just rhetoric, statements in Parliament risk remaining mere political exercises, not mechanisms that lead to real improvement in governance.

"At the center of every budget is not a number, but a result. Therefore, it is not enough to increase funds; we must spend them correctly, efficiently. It is regrettable when you see that a good part of the budget funds are not implemented. This means less development, less social care with fewer jobs.

Why is this happening? Some say it is related to the new justice and mainly to the criminal justice institutions. It may be so, but no one says what specifically.

There may be and I believe there is something, so in previous sessions I have raised concerns and asked for caution with the criminalization of administration and business in this country, for a different culture and approach from the criminal justice structures in this regard. This requires the parties to sit down at the table for dialogue and see what reflections need to be made.

But beyond what is rational in this story, I personally believe that in many cases this is an alibi behind which another problem is hidden with the institutions and agencies themselves that deal with the administration of budgetary funds. Based on the reports made to the committee, it results that some have realized over 90% of the budget determined for investments, but also for goods and services. Then how is it explained that some realize and some do not the budget allocated in the respective budgetary year?

How is it explained that some carry out procurements at the 99% limit fund and some manage to save up to 20% of the procured fund? I believe there are several factors that influence this reality.

Among other things, this is related to the direction of institutions, the management skills of leaders and especially the ability to choose the right people in these processes, with their motivation and support to work calmly and freely to correctly implement the law and relevant responsibilities", said Xhafaj./ CNA