Esiona Konomy
In the period January-May 2023, five months before the local elections, the various state inspectorates significantly reduced the imposition of fines in almost all sectors. However, in the same period of 2024, when there were no elections, the number of fines increased significantly, up to 10 times more. The data obtained by INA Media raise doubts that this phenomenon may be related to efforts not to create dissatisfaction during the electoral campaign.
Key Research Points:
- Reduction of Fines before the 2023 Elections: The data show that during January-May 2023, many inspectorates reduced the number of punitive administrative measures, leaving citizens and businesses in 'comfort' until after the elections.
- Dramatic Growth in 2024: For the same period in 2024, when there were no elections, the institutions reported a significant increase in fines, some of which were increased by 10 times, filling the state coffers with over 30 million euros.
- Claims of Institutions and Experts: While the inspectorates claim that they are not influenced by the elections, experts and activists see this practice as a political use to maintain the public image before the elections, avoiding punishments that could cause dissatisfaction among citizens.
- Economic Impact and Public Policy: Fines constitute an important part of state revenue. In the first 5 months of 2024, citizens contributed over 30 million euros to the state budget through fines alone, raising questions about their role as hidden taxes.
"This difference in figures in almost all institutions at the same time cannot be a coincidence. It is synchronized and orchestrated behavior,” says Ola Xama, economic journalist.
Imeldi Sokoli, urban planner, says that "Fines are used as an opportunity to fill the budget coffers, especially in periods without electoral interest."
What to Follow Next: The inspectorates deny their connection to election campaigns and justify the high numbers with budgetary needs and technological reforms. However, it remains to be seen whether the coming months will show the same trend, ahead of the 2025 election campaign.
Read the full article in IInvestigative Network Albania
