The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development, which has time and again been accused of abuse and mismanagement of funds that should go to farmers and livestock breeders, seems not to even accept criticism.
In an official response today, AZHBR states that it has long been the target of a coordinated fake news campaign, which, according to the institution, aims to damage its image and hinder its work. According to the press release, the institution has also filed a request with the competent authorities, demanding that any case of defamation or misinformation be treated legally and that those responsible bear the consequences provided for by law.
But the reaction of the AZHBR is almost absurd. Before being offended by the news that "damages the image", the leaders of this institution should first worry about the scandals involving the agency itself. In many cases, funds and subsidies have gone to people connected to power, and not to the farmers and livestock breeders who need support.
Moreover, the institution is still burdened by the scandal of the theft of IPARD funds and the former director, Frida Krifca, is under investigation by SPAK. This scandal not only disappeared European Union money, but also forced the European Commission to block other funding for Albanian agriculture and livestock. It would be better if the leaders of AZHBR found out where these funds went, before OLAF and the Special Prosecution Office go after the other responsible parties.
It is a great paradox when an institution that documents show to have committed corruption is more concerned about criticism and its image than about the damage it has caused to Albanian agriculture.
