Individuals can now appeal to the courts over social insurance

TIRANA, May 18 – The latest changes made to the law on social insurance, which include the right to take the case to court when there is dissatisfaction, are not enough to consider the law complete, experts note.
“The law appears to need changes to ensure compatibility with EU legislation, but it appears there is need for a new law, not just making changes here and there,” said Sherefedin Shehu, a member of parliament from the Democratic Party and former deputy minister of finance, during a meeting of the Albanian Parliament’s Economy Commission “As you mentioned in your concerns, we are dealing with a law that can be amended about 100 times, but maybe it’s time to sit down together and make a brand new law. This is a law that needs to be reformed,” added Shehu.
However, though the latest amendment is considered as a small change, Shehu said it was an important change to the core elements experts are trying to improve.
“This problem that arises today regarding animation is a very controversial issue and requires a complete consensus; we are still in the old standards with regard to such process,” he said.
Meanwhile, opposition representatives spoke about other changes.
Member of Parliament Arben Malaj sought changes to eliminate certain steps that are considered superfluous. He added there is a need to move forward, eliminating problems that stem from the concentration of responsibilities in the local governments rather than the central executive. The commission chairman, Edmond Spaho, added it is important to make some improvements related to cutting waiting times for procedures for disability benefits.
“It would be good to see if we can cut down procedures and deadlines. However, today’s decision is in favor of those who suffer from the disease, who have a disability and who need to benefit,” said Spaho.
The commission meeting served as an explanation of the changes in the law. It had the assistance of experts from the Social Insurance Institute. They said the amendments expand rights to levels that have not available so far.
Before the changes, the only entity where complaints could be made about the loss of the right to disability pension or medical-related issues was the Medical Council. From now on, complaints may also be done in court.
“As you mentioned in your concerns, we are dealing with a law that can be amended about 100 times, but maybe it’s time to sit down together and make a brand new law. This is a law that needs to be reformed,” added Shehu.