Hoxhaj and Hamza present PDK's plan for economic recovery: Fund of over 1 billion euros for the economy in crisis

The chairman of the PDK, at the same time the candidate for prime minister, Enver Hoxhaj, together with the vice-chairman of the PDK and the candidate for deputy, Bedri Hamza, have today presented the program of the Democratic Party of Kosovo for economic recovery.

Hoxhaj said that the economy is the first pillar of PDK's program for governance and the Recovery program, which comes at a time when the whole world has been hit by the pandemic, is not a wish list, but a program of commitments that come as a result of work responsible, measurable and coordinated field experts, citizen representatives from business, trade and workers associations.

"Our plan has two parts. First, to ease the pain of citizens burdened by the crisis, pain that has been aggravated by the bad management of the consequences of the crisis by the two governments of the last year.

Secondly, we offer a stimulus package to revive our Economy, which will have an immediate effect but is also a long-term project. We in Kosovo must understand, responsible leadership must have a plan towards a horizon that lasts a decade. This is what our program aims for. This is how Recovery is achieved,” said Hoxhaj.

Meanwhile, Hamza, presenting the concrete points of the Economic Recovery Plan, emphasized that under the PDK government, the country will have economic growth of 5% - 7%, where through concrete measures the private sector, social assistance beneficiaries and pensioners, as well as employees in the private and public sectors will be supported. Among other things, this plan foresees a fund of over 1 billion euros for the economy in crisis, an increase in the minimum wage to 300 euros and an increase in pensions of up to 40%.

For more, read the full speeches of Hoxhaj and Hamza:

Enver Hoxhaj: Today, being determined in our commitment, we are presenting to the citizens the first pillar of our Program for governance.

This program will Restore our economy.

This program will Restore our society.

Bedri Hamza, who with the consent of the citizens will be the Minister of Finance in the PDK Government, will explain the measures to which we commit ourselves.

This is not a wish list.

This is a pledge Program.

These are not simple pre-election promises. But it is the result of responsible, measurable and coordinated work.

Many experts have been engaged in creating this plan.

Representatives of citizens from business, trade and workers' associations have also participated in its preparation.

We thank everyone.

And we show our commitment to implement what we are presenting to you today.

Our Recovery Program comes at a time when the entire world has been hit by the Covid Pandemic. What will be the economic and social consequences is not easy to calculate?

However, they are very large.

That's why the whole world is talking about Recovery. All the world is waiting for is Recovery.

And we, the citizens of Kosovo, demand even more.

We need a coherent plan that alleviates the damage and obstacles in their lives.

A program that will revive our declining Economy.

A program that will prepare our society for the post-Covid period.

A program that will lead us to prosperity.

This is what we mean by Recovery in Kosovo.

Our program will pave the way for decades to come. Our plan is a decade plan. However, the measures that Bedriu will present today must enter into force immediately.

Our plan has two parts:

First, to ease the pain of the citizens burdened by the crisis. Pain that has been compounded by the poor management of the aftermath of the crisis by the two governments of the past year.

Second, we offer a stimulus package to revive our economy. This will also have an immediate effect, but it is also a long-term project.

We in Kosovo must understand that responsible leadership must have a plan for a horizon that lasts a decade.

This is what our program aims to do.

This is how Recovery is achieved.

With our program we are aiming for the right balance between fiscal prudence and expansion for growth.

With our Program we will increase efficiency by promoting equality.

Recovery is for everyone.

No one will be left behind.

With our Program we prepare ourselves for the challenges of the future.

The citizens of Kosovo must be the champions of the post-Covid period. Even the youngest digital innovators. The most informed. The most prepared. And Kosovo will be the champion. The new generation of Kosovo will be champions.

The PDK program places the increase of human capital as the number 1 priority for Kosovo throughout this decade.

This is how we will achieve sustainable recovery.

Raising collective skills. Investing in our new generation.

I have challenged our main political opponent, Albin Kurti, to do the same. To present and discuss his Program with us.

Of course, he objected. He is hiding. He is avoiding the comparison.

He does not miss any opportunity to ignore the citizens of Kosovo.

He has no respect for our democracy. No respect for the electoral process.

Only authoritarian leaders reject debates.

Only authoritarian leaders hide their intentions.

Only authoritarian leaders take the results of elections for granted before they happen.

Albin Kurti told us that he does not want to argue with us because he won the elections! But let me tell him one thing: in a democracy, elections are decided by citizens, not by politicians.

Our duty as politicians is to present our program to the citizens. Not to talk about election results.

Our task is to show the citizens our intentions. Our duty is commitment to the citizens. With concrete proposals. With serious offers.

This is what PDK is doing today. This is what the PDK will do throughout the period before the elections. And then, it will be the moment of the citizens. Their moment. Whose decision must be respected by all. This is how democracy works.

I call on Albin Kurti to review the disrespectful approach to democratic processes.

I call on Albin Kurti to remove his populist rhetoric.

Enough with irresponsible populism.

Enough with the empty promises.

Mr. Albin Kurti, don't run away from reality. Don't run away from the dialogue. Don't run away from the debate.

For the sake of our democratic process. For the sake of the people.

The people need Recovery, Kosovo needs Recovery.

And Recovery will come with concrete actions and dedication to the people.

PDK is proud of its Program. We make it public. We are ready to defend it. Because we know that this is the Recovery Program for Kosovo.

Bedri, it's about you.

Bedri Hamza: Our Recovery and Sustainable Economic Development Program will achieve sustainable economic growth ranging from 5% to 7%, prioritizing investments in health, education and scientific research, new infrastructure, law and order, including other priorities that will bring economic development not only for the years 2021 - 2025, but also for the coming decades.

In our Recovery and Sustainable Economic Development Program, we have concrete measures to support:

1. Private Sector
2. They take care of the social class and pensioners and
3. Employees in the private and public sector.

We will support the private sector with the following measures:

1. Over 1 billion euros for recovery
2. There will be additional liquidity for the enterprise, the fund will be established to help our enterprises in the amount of more than 500 million euros (five hundred million euros), in the form of financial support for businesses, which have difficulties to function properly for the first year but there will be support for the other years of our government. These funds (non-refundable money) will be given to businesses according to the criteria and conditions specified in the State Budget Law.
3. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo will take over the payments of the interest amount of the borrowing that was received in the commercial banks of Kosovo by the producers who export goods outside of Kosovo, the Enterprises that deal with agribusiness and the processing of agricultural products.
4. Value Added Tax (VAT) will not be paid by businesses at the border, as has been the case until now, but the collection and payment of VAT will take place within the country. This will provide much greater additional liquidity for businesses than has been the case until now.
5. Corporate Income Tax will be reduced for certain years from 10%, as it was until now, to 8%, 7%, 5% and 0% depending on investments and the number of employees.
6. The capital increase of the Kosovar Loan Guarantee Fund will go up to 100% to support or guarantee various investment projects in the amount of 100% for businesses.
7. Guarantee schemes will be introduced to strengthen the positions of the collateral in loans, while the funds for these schemes will be provided by the state, the issue of the treatment of mortgages and the amount of mortgages that are decided to be taken for loans will be regulated.
8. For each year, a budget line in the amount of 15 million euros will be created in the state budget to financially support through grants (non-refundable) young men and women who have business ideas in the form of self-employment.

We will take care of the social class and pensioners with the following measures:

1. The amount of social assistance will be increased by over 30% for all social assistance beneficiaries.
2. There will be an increase in all types of pension regardless of the pension category and deep reforms for the fair and equal treatment of all retired citizens, including in contributory schemes those citizens who have had obstacles due to the lack of 15 years, where the pension will be scaled according to the percentage and years.
3. The following will benefit from the increase in pensions:

i). Pensioners aged ……… 40%,

ii). Contributory pensioners 30%,

iii). War veteran pension …..30%, and

iv). All other pensions in the amount of 30%.

1. Martyr families will receive pensions depending on the number of martyred members they have.
2. The issue of pensions will be regulated, where old-age pensioners will be allowed to be beneficiaries of other pensions where they meet the conditions set by law.
3. Veterans will not have their veteran's pension terminated if they have an employment contract.
4. Pensioners who enjoy basic pensions will not be forced to choose between which pension to receive, but will receive the old-age pension and the other pension recognized by law.
5. The VAT rate for food items for daily consumption of citizens will be reduced, which will be calculated and paid at eight percent (8%) from the current 18% for the supply of goods and their import into the Republic of Kosovo.
6. Medicines imported and produced in our country will be exempt from VAT.

We will take the following measures to support employees in the private and public sector:

a) The minimum wage will increase from 170 euros, which is now to 300 euros.

b) In agreement with the social partners, the labor legislation with particular emphasis on the labor law which will be reviewed in order to create a quality legal framework for encouraging entrepreneurial activities, reduce the administrative burden of work and ensure dignified working conditions. work with maximum protection of employees and employers.

c) The number of Labor Inspectors will be increased, which number will be sufficient for supervising the implementation of the labor law and protecting the rights of employees.

d) In order to increase salaries in the private sector, and the disposable income of employees for a higher standard of our citizens, we will commit ourselves to companies that increase salaries for their employees to over 500 euros per month , Corporate Income Tax to be from 10% as it is currently, to 5% in our government.

e) Existing salaries will be increased by an average of 30% for all officials in the public sector, through the regulation of the salary law. Adequate job position qualifications will be adjusted according to experience and professional qualifications.