Gov’t cancels controversial refrigerated vehicles concession ahead of elections

TIRANA, Jan. 23 – The Albanian government has withdrawn from a monopoly contract on the compulsory technical control of refrigerated vehicles following concerns by business operators over increased costs leading to a hike in food prices. The withdrawal comes few months ahead of the June 18 general elections in which the center left Socialist Party-led coalition is seeking a second consecutive term. Transport Minister Sokol Dervishaj has cancelled an August 2016 ordinance by his predecessor Edmond Haxhinasto that made it compulsory for temperature controlled vehicles to undergo costly technical control with Shpresa-Al, a private transport company that was awarded exclusive…