As 2024 draws to a close and with the traditional holiday season upon us, Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with retired employees of the State Police, the Guard, the AMP, and the Firefighting Service. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude for their dedicated service and to wish them a joyful and prosperous New Year.
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Thank you very much, and welcome to this meeting, which coincides not only with the end of the year but also with the fulfillment of an important commitment towards all pensioners. For the first time, we are allocating a significantly larger amount to support them at the end of the year, much higher than in previous years.
I say ‘the first commitment’ because it reflects a new economic phase for Albania, where economic growth and, consequently, increased revenues have entered a new stage. This has allowed us to adopt a fresh approach to supporting pensioners. This approach has two key components: First, the redistribution of a portion of the increased revenues from economic growth directly to pensioners through bonuses, starting with the year-end bonus, which has traditionally been symbolic at first, then increased, but never to the extent of this year’s. Additionally, there will be another bonus in the spring, as a result of the stronger economic outlook, and we intend for this to become an annual measure. On the other hand, we are preparing to increase the pension fund, both by raising social security contributions and by increasing the pension budget itself, meaning higher monthly pensions.
However, whether it’s the bonuses or the potential plan for a gradual increase in monthly pensions, these are discussions we couldn’t have had until recently. Today, the economy is creating these opportunities for us. In fact, as you’ve probably seen from the latest report by INSTAT, the average salary has surpassed our expectations. Our original goal, which was quite ambitious, was to reach an average salary of 900 euros in the public sector. However, in the third quarter, INSTAT reported the average salary at 968 euros, which is now approaching the once unimaginable threshold of 1,000 euros—something that just a few years ago seemed out of reach. This is the first direct result of economic growth and higher revenues. And secondly, it’s a very positive sign for pensions, because every salary increase that is formalized strengthens the social insurance fund. Wherever salaries rise, pensioners also benefit more.
We have specifically chosen to hold this meeting with you because you belong to a category of public servants who deserve special recognition and appreciation—not that others don’t deserve it, but there is no other group of state servants who count among their ranks individuals who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as is the case with the State Police. To be honest, when we reflect on the 227 martyrs in blue uniforms today, it’s almost hard to believe that this number corresponds to the period of democracy. It’s almost unbelievable that, not many years ago, but barely a decade ago, police officers and leaders were losing their lives almost as though it was simply part of the job. I will never forget the time, when we were in opposition, that we would periodically go to the SHQUP building, to the former Military House, to pay our respects. There, police leaders and colleagues of the fallen would gather. This makes our responsibility to be grateful and thankful to all of you, and to the entire generation you represent, even more profound. You didn’t just serve; you served under extraordinarily difficult conditions. You served in an environment where, sadly, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the State Police were betrayed by the state they were protecting.
You see it yourselves, you follow it closely. I’m sure you keep a close eye on the State Police, because the Police is like a team. It’s a team where, even when you’re no longer playing, you remain connected to it. So, what I want to say in conclusion is that we are doing everything we can to elevate the prestige of the State Police, to increase support, raise salaries, improve working conditions, enhance technology, and much more. And it is certain, as the Minister also mentioned, that all the achievements of the State Police that we proudly celebrate today would not have been possible without all of you. Even though you may no longer be active, you are the foundation upon which the Police has continued to grow, brick by brick. Moreover, many of you are now educators, teachers, but all of you have been teachers in the work you did—mentors to those who now lead the State Police, starting with the General Director, who belongs to a younger generation of leaders in the force
I want to sincerely thank you all, with deep gratitude and respect, for everything you have done! I thank you once again, with heartfelt appreciation and respect, for the unwavering support you continue to provide—not only morally, but also practically, whenever the State Police asks for your help. I want to assure you that with every step we take, we will do our utmost. And with every step, we will not only think but also act to bring more to your families, as our economy grows, step by step.
With great respect, I must apologize, as we need to depart in half an hour for Brussels. Tomorrow we have another very significant moment ahead of us—opening a new group of negotiation chapters.
We are confident that we will turn this positive moment into an opportunity to secure as much as we can from the European Union in terms of negotiations, and hopefully even close them before the EU’s mood changes, because, as you know, anything can happen. So, once again, thank you all very much. We’re going to take care of this tomorrow, and I do so with great respect for each and every one of you. I wish you nothing but health and well-being for you and your families. And without a doubt, may you live long enough to see all your concerns resolved. I know your concerns well, especially one in particular, but I won’t mention it so we don’t bring it to light.
Thank you so much.
