“Enough with corruption”

The future of Albania entails the fight on corruption. In the past day two important contributions – from the European Union and from the Catholic Church of Albania – reiterated a warning well known in the country of eagles: “We must support, promote, through democratic processes, the fight on corruption and the creation of a leading class that is truly at the service of everyone’s good”. This is true especially today, given the ongoing adhesion process to the European Union and the preparations ahead of the municipal elections of June 21. An effort to support and promote. The fight on corruption thus represents a necessary junction for the Country. The government is well aware of it. In fact, at the beginning of 2015 it also created a national platform against illegality – www.stopkorrupsionit.al – asking for the cooperation of all citizens, a praiseworthy initiative, albeit insufficient. More needs to be done to uproot what has become an ethical and cultural problem. This is what emerges from the latest report of the Committee on Foreign affairs of the European Parliament on the reforms carried out in Albania in 2014 in the framework of the adhesion process. “MEPs – the statement goes on- restate their ongoing support for the EU integration process in the two countries but say both need to advance, inter alia, with their democratic processes, tackle corruption and put in place a professional and depoliticised public administration”. Moreover, “Albania should also do more to ensure the independence, efficiency and accountability of the judiciary and to guarantee the independence of the public broadcaster”. The Committee’s report released during the week, is tabled for vote by the European Parliament during the next plenary in Strasbourg, April 27-30. No corruption in politics. While Albanians may view the voice of the European Parliament as an external voice, another voice at internal level was heard over the past days reiterating the same concepts. In fact, Catholic bishops published a letter ahead of the national elections of June 21 to raise awareness on “a set of problems that demand a solution prior to the elections, and on others requiring a solution thereafter”. In the document, addressed “to all Albanians of good will”, the bishops reiterate the urgent need for political parties to show their “firm determination at political level to decriminalize politics”. The next electoral round, according to the prelates, “is an occasion for political parties to clearly show their will” in this direction. Thus the bishops called upon the political realm “to break away from corrupt candidates, who bought votes with money or with other means, who corrupted others or favoured during their term in office the appropriation of public funds in dishonest ways”. As for the past, the bishops condemned and urged “to put an end to vote buying”, “an insult against God and against sound moral and religious ethics”. An appeal to consciences. Not only…in concrete terms, the bishops called upon political candidates and groups “to give priority to the good of the population as a whole” when compiling their programs and/or presenting their political platforms. For the prelates it is necessary “to promote the principle of subsidiarity in order to lay the foundations and the conditions for development and self-support along with the dignity of Albanian families”. The young, the bishops point out in their statement, “must be encouraged not to abandon the Country and to be at its service. Also in this case, the right to education and employment are efficient tools to ensure that youths continue living in Albania”. The bishops’ appeal “to all Albanian citizens, Christians and non-Christians alike”, is to “take part in the voting process with culture and dignity”. “We cannot remain indifferent in the face of elections. If we don’t vote today, we won’t have the right to demand results tomorrow. Voting is a moral obligation regardless of the choices made”. At the same time, the bishops conclude, “we call upon citizens’ consciences: if candidates are known for their criminal, corrupt past, you shouldn’t vote for them. Also abstention and blank vote are possible options. If none of the candidates incarnates the criteria to be elected then abstention becomes a moral order”. These are strong words that are reason for in-depth reflection. The common good, the integral development of the human person, of the family and of society cannot remain unfulfilled. On these pillars reposes the democratic future of the Country. And it is also the best remedy against corruption.