What side will Agrarian Party choose?

Top Channel: Mr.Duka, good evening.

Agron Duka: good evening.

Top Channel: You were a Minister and MP with the Socialists. You were elected with the Republicans. Today you have left them, but you’re still in opposition. It was clear during the convention that both political feel that your party could make other moves in the future. Will the Agrarian Party stay with the opposition’s coalition during the next political elections?

Agron Duka: It may have been misunderstood. We never have insinuated we might change sides. But the Environmentalist Agrarian Party defends an ideology that is not that extreme. This is the message we have tried to give. We are an open party. Everyone can contribute, from right or left parties.

Top Channel: You won a seat as MP in 2013 when no one expected it. What are the real ambitions of your party in 2017?

Agron Duka: We are working to reform the party. Although it is an old party, it has started as a new movement with my initiative and that of some other participants. Our expectations are to create a Palriamentary group with five or seven Parliament Members, with representatives in all districts of our country.

Top Channel: The government has promised 300 million EUR of investments in agriculture. Should you probably have a coalition with them, due to the interest you are representing? What is your opinion about the government policies on farmers?

Agron Duka: So far we don’t see any positive development in rural areas. Compared with the other countries of the region, our products can be competed easily. VAT for agricultural products is 20%. The other countries of the region have it 7% and 5%. This makes Albanian products easily to compete against. This is why it is impossible for us to make an alliance with them, when this promise has arrived before the elections. However, it is something to be greeted. Agriculture is a risky sector and banks don’t prefer to credit farmers.

Top Channel