Further strengthening of local government structures is crucial to Albania’s democratisation and decentralisation process. This message was delivered loudly and clearly today during the launching event of a new project titled “Strengthening Local Government Structures and Cooperation of Local Elected Representatives in Albania”. The launch took place at Tirana International Hotel and was attended by the Swiss Ambassador, H.E. Alexander Wittwer, Deputy Minister of Interior, Ferdinand Poni, Council of Europe and Swiss Cooperation representatives, and other local government and donor representatives.

“Today’s event marks another milestone in our development efforts as we launch a new phase of our joint project on strengthening local government”, said H.E. Alexander Wittwer, Swiss Ambassador in Albania. Ambassador Wittwer emphasised the role played by the Council of Europe and the Ministry of Interior in supporting local government structures and the importance local government has for a country’s democratic development. 

“I am convinced that more inter-municipal cooperation and a better human resource management will prove successful methods for having fully-functional and performing local government structures as well as better quality of services for citizens”, said the Ambassador.

In his speech, Alfonso Zardi, Head of Democratic Governance and Institutions Department of the Council of Europe, welcomed the trust and contribution of the Swiss Government towards the Council of Europe as well as the commitment of the Ministry of Interior to the reform of the local self-government. Mr. Zardi highlighted that together the Council of Europe and the Albanian authorities can further contribute to finding efficient and workable solutions to a sustainable inter-municipal co-operation and an advanced human resource management system in Albania.

Helen Eadie, speaking on behalf of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, recalled that the project is part of the priorities of co-operation between the Council of Europe and Albania. “We will help local and regional authorities of Albania to increase their co-operation and dialogue with a multi-partisan view and pluralistic approach” she stated.

Deputy Minister of Interior, Ferdinand Poni assured the international partners of the government’s commitment towards the process of decentralisation and local government autonomy. “For Albania the improvement of local government functioning is an obligation and an objective at the same time”, said Deputy Minister Poni.