The increase in the ticket price on the Kamëz-Tirana line, which went from 40 to 50 lekë and the monthly subscription from 1200 lekë to 1400 lekë, is proving to be the product of a blatant conflict of interest between decision-makers and direct beneficiaries. Documents obtained by VNA show that the people who requested, supported and voted for the price increase are the same ones who hold management positions in the company that benefits from it, “Shpresa. al”.
The fare increase, which affects the Kamëz–Tirana, Paskuqan–Tirana and several other lines within the municipality, was proposed by Dashnor Memaj, head of the Urban and Intercity Transport Association. The latter publicly justified the increase by stating that it was “necessary to cover maintenance and fuel costs, in the absence of state subsidies.”
But the data shows that Memaj has more than a representative role in this story. According to information provided by VNA and data published by him on “LinkedIn”, Memaj turns out to be the director of the company “Shpresa. al”, the private entity that manages the very lines where the price was increased. So, the request for the price increase comes from a company director who benefits financially from it.
The conflict of interest does not end here. Even in the Kamëz Municipal Council that approved the price increase, it turns out that some councilors are also part of the management structure of “Shpresa. al”. Specifically, the Democratic councilor Bardhok Osmani, who voted in favor of the decision, is the official administrator of the company. A vote that goes directly in favor of the entity that he himself administers.
What further aggravates the situation is the fact that the City Council meeting, which was initially published on the official Facebook page, was deleted after receiving public attention. An action that raises further doubts about the transparency of the process.
In addition to Osmani, other DP councilors, Shkëlqim Kosiqi, vice president of the Council, Enver Buçi and Preng Marku, have voted in favor of the price increase, making the opposition part of a decision-making process that has openly violated the interests of the citizens it represents.
Meanwhile, the citizens of Kamza have reacted with protests and dissatisfaction, describing the decision as an unfair economic burden.
This situation requires immediate investigation by justice institutions, as it clearly violates the principles of conflict of interest, lack of transparency, and illegal profit at the expense of citizens.
