Blendi Gonxhja, Albania’s Minister of Economy, has urged businesses to implement supplementary pension schemes and raise wages to tackle pension shortfalls. Speaking at a major conference, Gonxhja stressed the need for economic reforms to address growing pension gaps, calling on the private sector to offer better pay and benefits to workers.
“Low-paying jobs in the public sector aren’t the solution,” said Gonxhja. “Workers must seek better opportunities with higher wages, especially in the private sector.”
He also highlighted the long-term impact of Albania’s difficult transition years, which left many with insufficient pension contributions. While pension bonuses have increased, Gonxhja warned they were only a temporary fix.
For sustainable pension reform, he urged businesses to follow Western models by increasing wages and improving tax compliance. “Without addressing productivity and informal employment, pension shortages will persist,” he said.
The Minister also announced plans to expand housing programs to help young families.
