Challenges Persist Despite Albania’s Transition from Communism

Even thirty years after the fall of communism, Albania still grapples with significant economic issues, especially in its rural regions. Communities near the Montenegrin border, in particular, face severe economic hardships that hinder their sustainability.

One of the key factors contributing to the economic struggles in Albania is the lack of adequate support for rural areas. Farmers in these regions often find themselves in declining populations with fewer consumers purchasing their goods. While Albania has shown overall economic improvement, transitioning from being one of Europe’s poorest nations to a stable middle-income economy, certain areas continue to face challenges. According to the World Bank, poverty rates in Albania decreased from 25.4% in 2002 to 14.3% in 2012. However, the global financial crisis in 2008 slowed this progress by impacting growth, employment, and poverty reduction rates. Despite ongoing reforms and recovery efforts in the Albanian economy, inclusivity in economic growth remains an unresolved issue, especially in remote parts of the country.

In Shkoder, a village bordering Montenegro, these economic difficulties are acutely felt. Residents lament government neglect and, in some instances, accuse authorities of misconduct. Shkoder faces the lowest per-capita income in Albania, posing significant export challenges for local farmers. One farmer, Ahmet Suleymani, shared his frustrations with Al Jazeera, recounting how attempts to export produce to Montenegro, a demand market, led to his arrest by Albanian officials on smuggling charges despite complying with all regulations. Ahmet emphasized that it is his own country’s enforcement, not Montenegro’s, thwarting these exports. Many residents, including Ahmet, attribute this obstruction to political affiliations, alleging that the village’s support for the opposition party influences such actions. With over 30,000 residents leaving Shkoder seeking better opportunities abroad, concerns about rising crime due to lax law enforcement further compound the village’s woes, shedding light on persisting economic and political complexities in Albania.