“Albanians are more optimistic for positive changes in their country
than one year ago”. This is the conclusion of the National Democratic
Institution that was held in December 2013, in cooperation with the
Institution for Alternative and Research Studies.
The Director for Central and Eastern Europe of this United States organization, Robert Benjamin, spoke for the Voice of America.
“I think that this is related to the fact that the election brought a peaceful power rotation, without political conflicts or boycott, and people are now ready to continue with their life”, Benjamin declared.
According to him, with “change” people understand “economy”. They are concerned for constant unemployment, low salaries, high prices and corruption.
“Although there is a feeling of hope among Albanians that things might change for the better, there is some kind of irritation for the fact that these things are not being resolved in the effective way that the citizens want”, Benjamin declared.
Benjamin says that the increased optimism, which he considers moderated, is a chance that didn’t exist in the past five years, followed by conflicts or political blockage. He adds that to turn it to reality, the citizens must engage in public discussions and get involved in civil society organizations, and become part of the political life.
Benjamin underlines that six to nine months are needed for a government to be able to take the situation on their hands. There are always efforts to make the old party responsible, when there is a power rotation. As regards corruption, those who were part of the poll see it as something that slows down the economy, blocks their chances for things such as the health care or economic opportunities. One of the issues that have been discussed in this poll, is also the European integration perspective that Albanians see as something positive, economically and for democracy. Benjamin says that the membership process will be long and it will be good for Albania to see progress not just for the service of entering the European Union, but for the country’s own good. The report based on discussions with Albanian citizens will be made public on March, and its conclusions will be sent to the government, the Parliament and civil society.
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