Civil Insight: Draft budget 2024 for Vlora ’s citizens

Local government is obliged to closely examine how to plan to spend money on programs and services to best meet the constituent needs of visitors and the regional economy but also the interests of sustainability against future challenges. In recent years, for example, demands for public services have increased, while property tax revenues have remained stagnant and state funding for these services has decreased, except for the coverage of delegated services.

The main priorities are the continuation of the political program, the Development Plan and National Strategies and Policies within the framework of fulfilling the objectives of the central government.

Public discussions with the participation of expertise have given citizens a civil view of where a budget is spent, in a way that better reflects the strengths, needs and aspirations of the population, and from the reaction to the 2024 budget the approach can be more effective.

Local governments can make an important contribution to public welfare through the implementation of government policies and the provision of local public services that are important to local citizens.

Their special fiscal advantage lies in the proximity of citizens to decision-makers and administrators of the programs that provide the services.

Local government has the potential to be the most transparent and responsible level of government in providing services to citizens.

However, the full realization of this promise requires strong fiscal administration to reflect citizens’ interests in local programs and to develop policies in a fiscally sustainable manner. Thus, resources do not lose efficiency and can become effective, based on full operations, and narrowing of corrupt acts. The potential for citizen responsiveness means little if resources intended to provide services slip into the pockets of local politicians and bureaucrats.