Rama made the remarks during a meeting with retirees in Tirana, focusing on economic growth, social policies and planned changes to the pension system.

According to the government head, the proposed reform will seek to create additional space for individuals who wish to contribute more in order to secure higher pensions, with the state providing matching support.

“We will also review the current scheme for self-employed pensioners and those who continue working, as there is room for adjustments that will again benefit pensioners,” Rama said.

He added that support for people with disabilities is also under review.

On pensions, Rama said annual bonuses and step-by-step increases will continue across categories, with a goal of raising pensions up to fivefold by 2030.

“We have now entered a different phase,” he said, noting that in the past the government struggled to increase pensions despite rising wages and investments, particularly after a difficult period marked by high debt levels.

“For years, we were only able to index pensions, as the economy could not support a real increase plan. Finally, the moment has come when the economy has created this opportunity, and since January this year, you are receiving higher pensions,” Rama said.

He pointed to improvements in Albania’s economic performance, saying gross domestic product has risen from under 10 billion euros when his government took office to nearly 27 billion euros. Income per capita has increased from below 3,000 euros annually to over 11,000 euros, with a rise of more than 1,000 euros between 2024 and 2025 alone.

Rama also highlighted growth in tourism and foreign investment, noting that annual foreign visitors have increased from around 2 million to 12 million, while foreign direct investment has risen from an average of 300-400 million euros to over 1.5 billion euros.

“There is still room to do more, and we have plans to go further,” he concluded.

/j.p/u.sh/