Oct 22, 2024 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met with business representatives on Tuesday to discuss a vital issue: the need for honest wage declaration, which plays a crucial role in social insurance and pensions. During the conversation, Rama expressed his concern about the common practice of underreporting salaries and emphasized that the government is determined to tackle this problem effectively.
Rama said businesses have a moral obligation to ensure that pensioners receive the benefits they deserve. “Every penny that belongs to pensioners should go to them,” he stressed, calling for greater accountability in the private sector. He also pointed out that relying on administrative pressure to enforce compliance is not the right approach, labeling such actions a “great shame.”
The Prime Minister considered this discussion as a civic duty, connecting the well-being of pensioners to the responsibility of businesses. “This venture is one of the foundational elements of our economy,” he said, recognizing the challenges that companies face but urging them to prioritize their commitments to pensioners.
Rama’s statements come at a time when concerns about pension sustainability in Albania are growing. Many retirees rely on state benefits that reflect the actual contributions made by workers. His call aims to encourage businesses to adopt a culture of accountability, reminding them of the broader impact their wage reporting practices have on society.