Having lost in a landslide, the government on duty should only act as a state custodian, while the newly-elected government should be careful not to repeat the mistakes of its predecessors with the public service employment
TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL
Albania’s general election three weeks ago marked probably the best electoral process the country has had in the past couple of decades. Between now and early September, as the transition from one government to the next takes place, it is important to keep the positive momentum, and everyone involved should do what’s best of the country.
First, the government on duty has received a clear message from Albanian voters: “We want change.” The government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha was voted out of office in a landslide election. As such, it is only fair that the outgoing Berisha government act only as a custodian and cease making important decisions until the new government is sworn in.
Yet the government is holding meetings and making decisions as if the election had not taken place at all. It has made several important decisions, including some that affect the financial situation of the state and the availability of Albanian citizenship. Such moves might be following the letter of the law, but they do not follow the spirit of what a post-election transition period should be like.
Second, this transition period is not the time to make any major decision by other state institutions as well, as consultations with the elected executive branch are important. Since the executive for the next four years is yet to take office, now is not the time for big decisions that could determine its governance. Yet, it appears that this is turning into a high season to appoint new officials in the judicial system and the military – both of which are under the umbrella of the country’s president, Bujar Nishani, who was unilaterally elected by the votes of the Democrats, who are now headed into opposition.
Third, European models would be followed with human resources decisions. For example, all politically-appointed officials should offer their resignation and leave it the the incoming leaders whether they want them to stay on the jobs or not.
These include anyone from advisers of ministers to key ambassadors abroad, particularly those who have recently started their mandate and are clear political figured tied with the outgoing government.
Fourth, the incoming leaders should be careful with how they handle the civil service and other state employees working hard to keep those best qualified to do their jobs, regardless of political inclinations or the desire to hire politically-friendly folks.
It is one of the ugliest features of Albania’s political transition that state institutions are politically-cleansed every time there is an election cycle, losing many qualified people in the process.
The newly-elected prime minister, Edi Rama, says his hiring decisions will be based on merit and the only ones who will lose their jobs are those who got it due to party and family connections. But we know that in Albania drawing the line might be easier said than done, and the Socialists need to be careful they don’t resort to the same practice the Democrats fell into – firing people already experienced in the job in favor of stuffing positions with party activists many of whom lacked the experience and ability to do the jobs they were given.
Fifth, the new executive will have to live with independent institutions it can’t control – such as the president and the general prosecutor. As such it has to treat them with respect and in a cooperative spirit.
It should not try to grab or force into submission such institutions as the previous government did, but rather work together for the betterment of the country. These institutions and their leaders should also know that their first loyalty is to Albania and not the people who voted them into the position. The Albanian electorate has spoke, and at the end of the day, the country’s civil and political servants must obey it.
