World Bank: Uncertainties related to June 18 elections pose threat to growth prospects

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• Economic and political uncertainties resulting from both internal and external factors could put Albania's growth prospects at risk in the short to medium run as the country heads to general elections in two months in a tense climate and a time when global market conditions and growth in key euro area trading partners remain sluggish, the World Bank warns. In its latest Spring report examining economic developments in six EU aspirant Western Balkans countries, the World Bank warns Albania’s political uncertainties could hamper progress with structural reforms and fiscal discipline. “Political uncertainty as a result of elections scheduled for mid-2017 could affect the pace of reforms and fiscal consolidation, which would weaken Albania’s fiscal position and push up risk premiums,” says the World Bank report.