SHKODËR, June 8 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that the northern city of Shkodër has developed into a steadily growing tourist destination, as he defended government policies on land ownership and investment during a political event marking the 35th anniversary of the ruling Socialist Party.
Speaking in Shkodër, Rama rejected criticism from protesters in Tirana opposing development projects, including in the coastal area of Zvërnec, and dismissed claims that government policies were damaging the country.
“Have we destroyed Shkodër, which for years was left on the margins and is now becoming a tourism destination that grows year after year and generates more income for local businesses?” he said.
Rama made similar remarks about other cities, including Vlorë and Tirana, arguing that infrastructure and tourism development had improved connectivity to mountainous regions and boosted local economies in areas such as Malësi e Madhe, Theth, Valbona and Lurë.
He also defended the government’s so-called “Mountain Package,” a policy aimed at formalising land ownership and encouraging investment in rural and mountainous areas.
The government head said unresolved property titles, particularly in areas affected by past land reforms, were preventing residents from accessing investment, credit and EU funding.
He rejected criticism that the policy could benefit large investors at the expense of local communities, arguing instead that it was designed to enable both residents and members of the diaspora to invest in inherited land.
Rama also compared Albania’s development trajectory with neighbouring Montenegro, saying Albania should not “waste time on slogans and empty talk” and should instead focus on economic growth and tourism potential.
He accused critics of wanting to limit foreign investment and turn Albania into what he described as a “reserve for bloggers and influencers.”
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