TIRANA, December 15/ATA/ Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented today to the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration the bill “On whistleblower reporting and protection”.
During her speech, Pirdeni stated that this draft law is an essential part of the government’s commitments to strengthen the rule of law, improve the fight against corruption and fulfill the obligations that Albania has undertaken within the framework of the accession process to the European Union.
“This draft law comes as a new, updated and comprehensive approach, addressing the shortcomings identified during implementation of the current law,” said Pirdeni.
According to her, the draft law aims to build a new legal architecture, fully harmonized with the standards and guarantees provided by the European Union directive on whistleblower reporting.
“The draft law aims to bring Albania closer to the highest standards of whistleblower protection,” emphasized the minister.
Pirdeni underlined that the draft law aims to create a clear and functional legal framework for the protection, with the highest standards now, of individuals who report possible violations of the law through whistleblowing mechanisms.
In her speech, the minister emphasized that the protection of the whistleblower is at the core of this law.
According to her, the draft law also provides for important innovations, such as the clear guarantee of the whistleblower’s confidentiality, the protection of the source of information, the prohibition of any form of retaliation and the right to benefit from free legal aid.
Focusing on protection from retaliatory actions, Pirdeni stated that, “Any direct or indirect action or inaction, undertaken in a work context, that occurs after the whistleblower has been notified and that causes or may cause harm to the whistleblower, is prohibited.”
She added that the law clearly lists cases of retaliation, including dismissal, suspension, transfer, as well as damage to the whistleblower’s reputation. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./
