Bozdo challenges Rama over prices: Albania imports 90% of its food, markets dominated by oligopolies close to the government

Democratic Party MP Eno Bozdo has challenged the statements of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who attributed responsibility for rising food prices to supermarket owners.

In a reaction published on social media, Bozdo accused the head of government of trying to find “the next hostile group” in order to avoid responsibility for damaging agriculture and for the control of the market by oligopolies linked to those in power.

The Democratic MP also argued that the euro’s depreciation has not brought any tangible benefits to Albanian citizens, despite the economic logic associated with lower prices.

“The next hostile group is being prepared, according to the principle, ‘You can’t do anything to the saddle, so you hit the donkey.’ How can it be explained that in Albania, the poorest country in Europe, food basket prices are 5% higher than in Europe? It is true that the fall in the value of the euro, at least in theory, should have contributed to an overall reduction in prices. But those who explained this to you failed to mention that such a principle works in competitive markets. In the Albanian market, where oligopolies that you yourself have allowed to grow stronger dominate, this logic cannot be applied,” Bozdo said.

According to him, the main problem behind high prices is linked to the decline in domestic production and the country’s dependence on imports, which are controlled by entities close to the government.

“Therefore, do not focus on supermarkets, but face the fact that Albania practically no longer produces anything in the food industry. During your government and under your particular care, this industry has been destroyed along with agriculture and livestock farming. Ninety percent of the products we consume come from abroad, while supply lines through imports are controlled by the oligopoly. There is another fact: in every market, without exception, we have the same situation, namely control by those serving the interests of the people in power. Therefore, look at the saddle, because the poor donkey is not only blameless, but is dying,” declared the Democratic Party MP.