TIRANA, Feb.11- The parliament on Monday addressed the issue of rising prices, which has become a problem for consumers since prices are rising on foods which make up the consumer basket, especially bread. PM Berisha has repeated that the country’s poorest people will be protected by the government, which will compensate the neediest citizens for the change in prices of certain goods. The SP responded, through former finance minister Malaj, who said there is no strategy for compensation. Malaj said the implementation of the free market is being impeded by the existence of monopolies.
Bread producers seek removal of VAT
The National Council of the Bread Producing Association has anounced that the price of bread will remain high and that the government should assist by removing the VAT and other excise taxes. The Finance Ministry, on the other hand, said that the IMF prevents any interfering with VAT in the market while the Agriculture Ministry said that the increase is not based on real market factors. The administration and the bread association are both trying to prevent abuses by setting strict regulation on weight and wrapping of bread.
