TIRANA, July 21 /ATA/ In response to criticism and demands for repeal, Prime Minister Edi Rama defended today the Mountain Package. He emphasized that the initiative’s primary goal is to unlock the economic potential of mountainous areas by empowering locals to develop their properties and draw in new investments.
During an online conversation with citizens, Rama stated that rather than selling off mountains, the Mountain Package creates development opportunities for individuals who have inherited or farmed rural land for years, but struggled to obtain legal titles.
“We are not selling the mountains; instead, we are opening them up for those who have inherited ancestral mountain property,” said Rama.
According to him, the “Mountain Package” empowers citizens and emigrants to transform ancestral property into profitable economic assets. By offering simplified permit processes and incentives for agrotourism and agro-processing, the government is unlocking thousands of diaspora investments to fuel the country’s booming tourism sector.
He added that the Mountain Package is the result of long consultations and efforts with local communities, refuting claims that it infringes on property rights.
“I have not seen any community affected by this package say that their properties are being taken away. They are looking forward to it,” Rama said.
Responding to a commenter in the social media who wrote “A small Switzerland will be built, but it is not being built,” Rama said that the development of mountain areas is achieved by creating opportunities for residents to invest in harmony with nature.
“It is done precisely by giving people the opportunity to invest in harmony with nature and create well-being without being forced to abandon those mountains,” he said.
Responding to online criticism, he noted that the negativity doesn’t bother him, but rather ‘keeps him motivated and strong. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./
