Small business raises alarm about fine law

TIRANA, April. 10 – Small and medium businesses see a clear conspiracy behind the new law on fines. They claim the government is trying to close up a few stores and create a monopoly on the market. To pay a full fine in cash is for some small stores the end of their activity and they would not even afford the cost of the legal process. Many store owners do not believe in the neutrality of the justice system and would not even raise a legal process. The media has waged a serious debate against the law and many of the small businesses have still faith that either a strong opposition backed resistance or a presidential move will annul the law.
The labor union of Shkodra anticipates protest and strikes in case this law affects the employees of small businesses. The union has 6400 members in one of the largest cities affected by rampant unemployment and poverty. Head of the Shkodra labor Union Fatmir Smajli has voiced the concerns of employees which are frightened from the government decision and the potential implications for small businesses.
In a parliament session, Finance Minister Bode has backed the law saying that business owns the state at least 45 million euro in unpaid fines debt and thus strong measures are required to fight the phenomena that threatens stat finances.