Electoral fines worth $30 million pardoned

TIRANA, March 11 – The Socialist Party-led government estimates pre and post-electoral fines imposed by the former government were worth USD 30 million. The fines imposed from March to August 2013, a period which corresponds to the June 23 general elections, have been pardoned under a recent government decision.
In a meeting with heads of chambers of commerce this week, Economy Minister Arben Ahmetaj described the fines as politically motivated. He said the changes to the VAT law which make possible the automatic refund of VAT in 60 days would further improve the business climate in Albania.
The incumbent Socialists claim many businesses were politically punished during last year’s general election by unfair penalties imposed by the former tax administration.
The new law foresees the pardon of fines imposed by tax inspectors but not fines automatically imposed by the e-tax system for not paying tax obligations.
The Biznes Albania Association had demanded that government should review all fines imposed during the past two years.