INA Media editorial office
The abuse of public property and state funds in Albania is manifested in two contradictory realities: millions of euros are spent every year on the rent of private premises by public institutions, while valuable state properties are given for symbolic fees of 1 euro to certain businesses, often linked to the power. Transparency for these agreements is minimal, while some institutions refuse to provide information even when forced by the decision of the Commissioner for the Right to Information.
In the "Delijorgji" residence, a luxury area in Tirana, the Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE) and the Tirana Waterworks (UKT) have rented offices, where the value according to the free market is at least 20 euros per square meter. These institutions refused to provide copies of their rental contracts, violating the legal transparency obligation. The same situation was repeated with the General Directorate of Taxes, which pays over 25 euros per month for a private facility in the Yzberisht area.
At the same time, large public properties are given at nominal prices to private entities. An example is the company MTSC SHPK, managed by Carlo Bollino, which took advantage of the "Albania 1 euro" program to use for 20 years an area of 4021.5 m² of the former metal enterprise in Tirana. This program, launched in 2007, was intended to encourage investment and create new jobs, but remains criticized for unfairly benefiting individuals connected to the government. According to data from Open Data Albania, until 2019, about 975,000 m² of public property was leased for nominal fees.
In Vora Municipality, the abuse of public funds is evident. After the damage from the 2019 earthquake, the municipality signed a contract for the rent of a three-story villa worth 7000 euros per month. The mayor has not given an answer for this huge expense at the expense of taxpayers.
The findings of the Supreme State Control (SCSC) also reveal cases of conflict of interest. In the village of Surrel, UKT signed a contract with Kujtim Qefalia, administrator of the Dajt Administrative Unit, for a plot of land for 1700 euros per month. KLSH found unfair benefits for Qefalia, evidencing an economic damage over ALL 1.5 million due to a difference in the floor plan. Although Tirana Municipality denies the recognition of the contract, the problem remains unresolved.
Lack of transparency is another major concern. Out of 12 institutions contacted by INA Media for data on rents and public properties, only Shkodër, Himarë, Vorë, Albanian Post and FSDKSH municipalities provided complete information. OSHEE and the Tax Directorate refused to implement the decisions of the Commissioner for the Right to Information.
In all this situation, the lack of effective monitoring of public contracts, conflicts of interest and selective benefits of state properties for individuals and companies connected to the power create significant economic damages for the Albanian state and taxpayers.
The main findings of the research:
- Millions for private rent: OSHEE, UKT and Tax pay huge sums for rent, while refusing transparency on contracts.
- Public property for 1 euro: The "Albania 1 euro" program has given over 975,000 m² of public property for symbolic prices, often in favor of political connections.
- Conflicts of interest: KLSH exposes unfair benefits in contracts, such as the case of Kujtim Qefalia in Surrel.
- Lack of transparency: Only few institutions provide complete information on the management of public properties.
To read the full article click: https://ina.media/2024/12/19/shteti-shet-lire-e-blen-shtrenjte-miliona-per-qira-te-privatet-1-euro-per-pronat-publike/
