Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party (PD), has unveiled his party’s election platform, promising significant tax cuts and economic reforms if elected on May 11.
Berisha announced plans to approve a stable fiscal code within the first three months of governance, guaranteeing no tax increases for four years. Key proposals include a reduction in VAT to 15%, a decrease in the infrastructure tax to 2%, and the abolition of a social housing tax.
The “Made in Albania” program aims to stimulate domestic production through these fiscal incentives and by reducing the number of tax brackets, introducing a flat 10% tax on capital and income (excluding the first 50,000 Lek), and zero tax for freelancers and small businesses below an €18 million annual turnover.
Berisha also pledged to lower excise taxes on beer and wine, reduce the price of fiscal stamps, and eliminate the fuel tax introduced by the current government. He stated that fuel prices would be capped at 10% above or below those in neighbouring Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Other proposals include exempting tips from taxation, reducing the property sales tax from 15% to 2%, and lowering the cost of business electricity. Berisha also promised support for young entrepreneurs and female heads of households, as well as incentives for specific agricultural sectors.
A notable pledge was to withdraw Albania from the “Open Balkans” initiative. Berisha expressed confidence in winning the election and committed to collaborating with businesses on digitalisation and establishing new economic zones.
