The 2023 budget to the attention of the citizens of Gjirokastra with the approach of expertise

In the meeting organized as part of the Open Day activity in Gjirokastra on the presentation of the Report “Budget 2023 from the perspective of the citizens of Gjirokastra” the presentations of economic and social data were made, where it is noticeable that while the number of net migration (introduction of inhabitants – dale of inhabitants) is 1,032 less inhabitants in 2022 compared to 2021, on the other hand there is a decrease in the level of employment, but also unemployment.

The signal from the statistical data should be understood by the government as the moment of reference of growing poverty and growing needs for social assistance

We presented facts regarding the comparison of the 2022 budget (expected fact) in relation to citizen requests, according to the survey conducted in June 2022, where discrepancies are observed regarding spending on social policies, investments in health, agriculture, forestry, and livestock.

Meanwhile, from the side of the Gjirokastër Municipality, but also the Municipal Council, that the expenses for education, and especially professional education, have little budgetary attention and it seems that the budget allocations for defense this year exceed the concept of a good fiscal year.

We presented that according to the comprehensive analysis of budget expenditures, there is little room for major cuts in public services. But, in the meantime, there is little transparency to understand administrative expenses in their effectiveness together with those accompanying e-government, which are already in a significant increase.

The public consultations, which started first with the review of the local general plan, is also the main reference on which the goals and addresses of the draft budget 2023 and PBA 2023-2025 are based.

Meanwhile, within the framework of the 2023 fiscal package, the Municipal Council has carried out a consultation with parents and residents of the city, regarding the project to increase the fee for kindergartens and nurseries.

In this public consultation, the voice of the citizens was heard regarding the non-change of the tariff, considering the tough economic situation, driven even more strongly by the impact of inflation and the slight increase in family income.

At the end of the meeting, we produced two proposals, which will also be requested by the committees of the Assembly to be part of our lobbying.

1.Budgeting from a civic perspective can work quite simply.
Instead of the City Council deciding how to spend about 7 million euros from the “budget menu money” that is allocated annually to each of the community members from their own income and from the state budget for education, education, support social, capital. improvements, it is necessary that:

to open a public process for public opposition
calling on the expertise of civil society and organizations to calculate the budget effects in reflection of the citizens’ demands on how public money can be spent according to the allocation that the citizens themselves share.

The part that does not match between the request of the citizens and the project proposed by the municipality should be a topic for open public discussion. This approach is healthy and restores citizens’ trust in local and central decision-making. This is called inclusiveness of all factors in the process of drawing up the citizens’ budget.

2. Budgeting with the participation of expertise has been mentioned in recent years as giving citizens real control over where a budget is spent, in a way that better reflects the strengths, needs and aspirations of the population and can be more effective.
But, since the legal framework does not define any obligation regarding this initiative, it is necessary that:

– civil society should sensitize a process for legal change of the law

(a) “On public notification and consultation” and

(b) “On local finances”,

where citizen monitoring has the legal reference for a continuous process throughout the year, for an increase in the consistency of monitoring the budget, not only during its drafting, but also during its implementation, as well as to serve as an irreplaceable opposition in the role of civic responsibility.

From those present in the hall, but also from online comments, this original approach, first introduced by the ALTAX group of experts, affects a well-argued follow-up, and leaves no room for making decisions based on financial arguments.

Meanwhile, such an approach also applies to the discussions on the administrative reform, which should consider fiscal performance in the discussions on the proposed division with more municipalities.