Lowest minimal wage in Europe

The recent study of the Albanian Center for Economic Researches has shown that 29% of the general employment is informal, and Albania has still the lowest salaries in Europe.

Denid Vaugham Witchhead, expert of the World Organization in Geneva, declared that the increase of the minimal salary is a priority, and although the current government has a huge deficit, this step should not be seen as an obstacle.

“We need credible figures to understand the real situation in Albania about salaries and employment. The increased minimal salary is related to the daily consumption, and this is shown even in figures. Another problem is that many pay more than what they declare about the minimal salary. The minimal salary is the lowest in Europe, lower than in Bulgaria, Romania, and it is necessary to increase it, as it is happening in many countries. The minimal salary increases by keeping in mind the extreme poverty of the country. Prices increase while salaries not. It needs an intervention”, declared Denid Vaugham Witchead.

The economic crisis has made the gap between the rich and the poor even deeper. The poor became poorer, and the rich became richer.

“The gap between the rich and the poor has increased, and it can be shown by statistics. The rich have become richer during the crisis, and that’s why a policy is needed to have a more fair distribution of health. If the minimal salaries will be smaller, the gap increases. Taxes play an important role”, Vaugham Witchead declared.

The Minister of Social Welfare and equal chances, Erion Veliaj, declared that thej progressive tax aims to make this gap smaller, and its implementation increases payments with 10% for 90% of employed people with average and low salaries.

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