Relations with IMF back to advisory as 3-year binding deal ends

TIRANA, Jan. 24 – Albania has concluded a three-year deal with the International Monetary Fund supported by a Euro 331 million loan, reducing the Fund’s role on the country’s economic and fiscal policies back to an advisory role until the upcoming June 18 general elections when the current Socialist Party government says it will renegotiate a new deal if it wins a second consecutive mandate. Speaking at a press conference with Albania’s finance minister and central bank governor, IMF mission chief to Albania Anita Tuladhar praised the program’s progress in consolidating public finances and economic recovery, and said the Fund…