During the presentation of the Democratic Party’s economic program, DP MP Jorida Tabaku spoke about entrepreneurship and the economic model offered by the party, outlining a clear vision for a free, competitive, and fair economy for all citizens in Albania.

She emphasized that the DP is determined to restore the rules of the game in the economy by creating a fair environment for entrepreneurs and fighting clientelism and monopolies.

The New Fiscal Code – A New Tax Constitution

One of the key points of the program presented by Tabaku was the creation of a new Fiscal Code, a deep reform that will regulate all tax policies based on clear and predictable principles for businesses and citizens. “This code will not be changed according to the interests of those in power but will serve as a stable legal framework that guarantees fair taxation and fair competition,” Tabaku stated.

She highlighted that frequent changes to fiscal legislation have created an unfair system influenced by clientelism. For this reason, the DP commits to a flat tax of 10%, the same for individuals and businesses alike, thus reducing the excessive tax burden that has harmed honest entrepreneurs.

Reshaping the Economy – Removing Barriers for Business and Ensuring Fair Competition

According to Tabaku, the government is the main obstacle for entrepreneurs. She denounced the clientelist subsidies and corrupt contracts of the Socialist government, which have created an unequal economy where only a small group benefits while the majority of businesses face difficulties.

The DP proposed eliminating corrupt PPP contracts, a complete review of the state budget and expenditures, as well as a smaller and more efficient government focused on innovation and economic development. Tabaku also promised to reform the property market to ensure a favorable environment for long-term investments and the formalization of the economy.

Another key point of the DP’s economic program is the full digitization of services for businesses, making procedures easier and reducing administrative corruption.

“Businesses cannot continue to be victims of government-ordered inspections. That is why we will establish clear rules for tax audits, which will be based solely on risk analysis and not on political blackmail,” Tabaku stated.

A Free and Strong Economy for a European Albania

In her closing remarks, Tabaku stressed that the current economic model cannot continue to serve only a privileged few. “We cannot have an economy that works for just 100 businesses while leaving others out of the competition. Albania must break away from this model and move towards a free and competitive economy,” she declared.

The DP’s economic program aims to create equal opportunities for all citizens, attract investments, increase domestic production, and ensure sustainable economic development, preparing Albania for full integration into the European Union.

“A strong economy means a strong Albania. This is our commitment, and we will not stop until it becomes a reality,” Tabaku concluded.

Full Speech by Jorida Tabaku:

Now I want to address the honest entrepreneurs who, from morning till night, keep the country’s economy alive, employ people, pay taxes honestly, and struggle against an unfair system that does not work for them. This system, shaped by clientelist and tailor-made laws, has suffocated our economy and, above all, the entrepreneurial spirit. These entrepreneurs face an unfair taxation system, an unfair system of economic incentives, and taxes that do not support them but instead discourage their work.

That is why it is necessary and crucial to offer equal opportunities to all entrepreneurs and those who have the spirit of business in their genes; the creation of a Fiscal Code that will serve them and Albania as a whole. This is an idea that the DP, thanks to Mr. Florion Mima, has had for a long time, and he has long advocated for this code.

But what is the Fiscal Code? A tax constitution that sets the written principles of all fiscal policies and establishes clear rules of the game for everyone. The Tax Procedure Code has been amended 140 times, even though it only has 130 articles in total, and many of these changes have been tailor-made for specific interests. Likewise, tailor-made laws that encourage an economy captured by the interests of a few businesses will be eliminated.

A flat tax, as mentioned earlier, will be applied equally to personal income and business income at a rate of 10%. There will also be a reform in fuel tax structures and other fiscal burdens that do not contribute to the economy but end up in the hands of a few. Furthermore, there will be a clear legal sanction ensuring that tax inspections are activated only based on risk assessment.

This means removing the battalion of tax officials who currently harass businesses. The reimbursement of VAT will be guaranteed within a set deadline and made automatic. All VAT exemptions will be eliminated, except for two primary categories that will be regulated through reimbursement: the food basket and energy.

The goal is to establish clear rules of the game, ensuring a fiscal reform that guarantees fair competition for all market participants.

Secondly, the biggest obstacle to entrepreneurship is the state itself. The state is the biggest lawbreaker and disruptor of competition and meritocracy. That is why we have devised solutions to change this. First, the removal of clientelist subsidies that benefit only one or two businesses. The state is currently distorting market competition. Full digitization of business procedures, reducing energy costs for manufacturing and processing businesses to stimulate industrialization and local production.

A complete review of all PPP contracts to eliminate corrupt agreements and restructure projects that harm the free market. Albania needs an effective restructuring of government and a revision of the budget to cut unnecessary expenses. This starts with all state-owned enterprises and extends to state properties.

A reform of the property market will also be implemented to formalize the economy and stimulate long-term investments.

The entire state expenditure structure will be reorganized to create a lean government. Additionally, real deregulation reforms will be undertaken, as excessive regulation is costly for both Albanian entrepreneurs and businesses.

Albania must break away from an economy dominated by monopolies. The industry needs to be revitalized and adapted to transition into a modern and competitive economy.

We must move beyond this economic model, where only 100 businesses thrive while the rest struggle. Transforming this economic model can only be achieved through innovation and economic development, something that is currently missing in Albania but will be enabled by our economic program.

We must put an end to an economic model that benefits only 5% of businesses while the rest work for them.

Our battle is not just against the failed Socialist government but for Albania’s future. The DP will not stop until every Albanian has the same opportunities for success, entrepreneurship, and a dignified economy that is ready for integration into the European Union.

A strong economy means a strong Albania!

Albanians are not asking for anything more than an economy that works for them. We are committed to making this vision a reality.

A free and strong economy means a stronger Albania!