A soft loan program launched by the Albanian government two years ago aims to provide teachers, doctors, servicemen, police officers and other public administration employees with affordable housing through bank loans at zero interest rate.

The 300 loans will be allocated among five institutions: 70 each for the ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Defence, Education and Interior, and 20 for the Prison Police under the Ministry of Justice.

Applicants must be public administration employees who meet the requirements of Albania’s social housing legislation. They must not own a home, unless their existing property falls below minimum housing standards, and must not hold movable or immovable assets worth more than half the value of the home they plan to purchase.

The mortgage subsidy program, which is being implemented for the first time in Albania, has been made available through specific legal changes and  is handled via the web-based e-Albania platform in collaboration with second-tier banks, is designed to help to make home ownership more affordable by providing zero interest rate loans to the eligible categories. The interest rates will be fully subsidized by the state budget.

/e.xh/j.p/r.e/u.sh/

His remarks followed the suspension of a State Police officer in Dibër, involved in a violent altercation in Vlorë while off duty. Rama described the suspension as only a first step, urging permanent dismissal and prosecution once the officer is discharged from hospital.

Rama underlined that any public servant who violates the law or exploits public space for profit – such as owning illegal constructions or occupying public areas for personal gain – will face criminal charges and permanent dismissal, including a multi-year ban from holding any public-sector job.

“These reforms reinforce the responsibility of every public employee who interacts with citizens. No violations will be tolerated, regardless of whether they occur during service hours or off duty,” Rama declared.

/u.sh/