Systemic Corruption Has Already Crippled Albania’s Economy
By Gjergj Erebara, Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama’s recent defense of Albania’s economic growth in the face of persistent accusations of systemic corruption is a disingenuous argument. The government’s assertion that growth proves the absence of widespread corruption is demonstrably false. The reality is that corruption, regardless of its form – encompassing weak governance, illicit activities, and systemic exploitation of resources – has demonstrably hindered Albania’s economic development.
It undermines productivity, misallocates capital, and erodes public trust. The Prime Minister’s logic – that economic growth indicates a lack of corruption – is flawed. Comparing economic growth rates across different periods reveals a complex picture.
While growth averaged 6.5 percent between 1993 and 2008, it has since fallen to around 3 percent from 2009 to 2025. This shift does not necessarily indicate a corresponding change in the level of corruption, as corruption itself is difficult to quantify precisely. Throughout Albania’s history, corruption has manifested in various forms, from post-communist oil smuggling and organized crime to “lubricant” payments – as famously described by former President Sali Berisha – and more recently, complex systems of extraction through customs and state tenders.
The AKSHI and “Balluku affair” cases highlight the systemic nature of the problem, demonstrating that corruption isn’t simply a matter of individual wrongdoing but a deeply embedded issue. The current growth rate of 3% is significantly below what Albania could achieve – potentially 6-7% – if corruption were effectively addressed. This stagnation prevents the country from reaching the economic levels of neighboring nations like Croatia, Romania, and Poland.
The issue isn’t the mere existence of corruption, which is prevalent globally. The critical question is whether corruption is operating on an individual level or is systemic. Systemic corruption, as evidenced by ongoing investigations, actively prevents sustainable economic growth and contributes to the emigration of skilled workers seeking opportunities in more stable and transparent economies.
Keywords: corruption, already, killed
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