The Guard’s budget reaches 2.84 billion lek, but 28 personnel left their posts: debate over pay and the cost of living in the capital

In 2026, the Republican Guard lost 28 employees, most of whom left to take jobs at other institutions or elsewhere.

The figures were presented by Guard Director Simon Zereci to Parliament’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence during a discussion of the institution’s draft budget for 2027.

The departures sparked debate after opposition MP Erald Kapri raised concerns about guards’ salaries and financial circumstances. He said employees of this elite security force struggle to live in the capital and support their families on their current incomes.

Asked by Kapri about the resignations, Zereci replied that 28 employees left in 2026 after finding other jobs, while a small number left for health reasons.

Kapri called for personnel to receive more dignified financial treatment, arguing that economic hardship is contributing to the departure of professionals.

“I asked this question because I had information and was convinced that many professionals in the Guard, which is considered an elite service in the field of security in the Republic of Albania, are leaving their posts because, given their skills and the work they do, they find it difficult to support their families and take on a second job. Life in the capital is almost impossible for them,” the MP said.

He criticized the government for the way Guard employees are treated and said the issue remains unresolved.

“It is tragic to think that a Guard employee, with their qualifications and profession, does not receive from the state and society what they are entitled to. We are talking about an elite force,” Kapri said.

The Guard’s draft budget for 2027 totals 2.84 billion lek, 2.6% more than the funds allocated in 2026, the institution’s director reported.

A total of 2.73 billion lek, representing 96.1% of the budget, has been allocated to current expenditure, including salaries, social security contributions and other operating costs. Investments will receive 110 million lek, or 3.9% of the total.

Some 55.5 million lek has been allocated to renew transport vehicles. The integration of security systems and surveillance cameras at facilities of special importance will receive 18.06 million lek, while 32 million lek is planned for the renovation of the facility used by the Residence Protection Sector in Vlora. The modernization of the sector responsible for protection against weapons of mass destruction will receive 4.44 million lek.