TIRANA, Nov 19 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended his government’s 2026 budget on Wednesday, saying new figures from Eurostat, the Bank of Albania and the IMF show stronger household incomes and a lower risk of poverty
Speaking at a regular session of Parliament on 2026 state budget bill and fiscal package, Rama emphasized that Albania’s progress in reducing poverty and increasing household income is reflected in independent international assessments, arguing this is a key reason the government is serving a fourth term.
The government head cited Eurostat data indicating that “Albania has a lower risk of poverty than Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey and is closer to the EU average.”
He said the share of food expenses in household budgets has dropped from nearly 50% when the Socialists took office to below 40% today. According to the Bank of Albania, he added, real disposable household income has risen by 4-5% annually between 2021 and 2024.
Rama also referenced a recent IMF assessment stating that “Albania is among the fastest-growing economies in Europe, with prudent fiscal and monetary policies.”
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