History shows that when mechanisms of trust weaken and a serious political and institutional alternative is lacking, the space is filled with uncertainty and chaos...
EDITORIAL / 2025 is closing as a year filled with numerous, often contradictory, developments, both economically and politically.
Albania managed to maintain economic growth rates of around 3.5%, a figure that at first glance gives the impression of stability. But, as in 2024, the structure of this growth raises more questions than certainty for the future.
A significant part of the economic performance was once again supported by the public administration, through increased wages, taxes, and subsidies, making the government one of the main engines of the economy.
At the same time, the two sectors that had led growth in recent years, construction and the accommodation and food trade, driven by tourism, showed clear signs of slowing down, signaling that the current growth model is approaching its limits.
On the political front, 2025 was also a busy year. Electoral developments, accompanied by debates and contestations, did not necessarily create the climate of calm and predictability that the economy and business require.
Without going into partisan analysis, the fact remains that political stability is a key element for investor confidence and long-term decision-making, and any uncertainty in this regard is directly reflected in the economic climate.
At the same time, the year was marked by a noticeable intensification of the activity of the justice bodies. The justice reform, which for years has been more of a concept than a tangible reality for citizens and businesses, finally began to produce concrete results.
However, these developments also highlighted a disturbing reality: the extent of the problems accumulated in governance, both at the central and local levels, turned out to be deeper than previously perceived.
Publicized cases of favoritism in tenders, mismanagement or abuse of public funds, and lack of transparency severely damaged civic trust and reinforced the feeling that governance standards have suffered serious erosion.
This contrast also explains a paradox that is becoming increasingly apparent: despite rising wages and partial improvements in living standards, immigration is not being stopped.
On the contrary, more and more Albanians, especially young people and professionals, see leaving the country as the main option for their future. This is a strong signal that trust in institutions, in the long-term perspective, and in equality of opportunity remains fragile.
In such a situation, the greatest risk is not simply economic stagnation, but destabilization. History shows that when mechanisms of trust weaken and a serious political and institutional alternative is lacking, the space is filled with uncertainty and chaos.
For a country like Albania, which in recent years has built a significant portion of its growth on tourism and an image of stability, any strong political or institutional upheaval would have significant and long-term consequences, which take time to recover from.
These issues are not just matters of public debate; they have a direct economic impact. They deter serious investment, distort competition, weaken the confidence of businesses and citizens, and create an environment where long-term decision-making becomes increasingly difficult.
In this context, economic growth based mainly on public spending and cyclical sectors is not enough to guarantee sustainable development.
Another phenomenon that became increasingly apparent during the year is the gradual paralysis of the central administration, both physically and virtually.
Citizens and businesses are increasingly faced with an administration that does not respond, does not communicate, and does not offer solutions according to the logic of the law.
Digital portals that promise convenience have replaced counters, but not necessarily service, while frequent system outages have turned simple processes into real obstacles to economic activity.
At the end of the year, there is usually talk of hope and positive expectations. It is said that hope dies last. But after all these developments, the feeling is that it is being tested like rarely before.
Perhaps, more than grand promises, 2026 needs one fundamental thing: real will to stop the deterioration and restore confidence.
So that, at the end of the tunnel, we can see, at least, a glimmer of light./Taken from Monitor
