The Ambassador of Sweden in Albania appeals to the citizens and the government: Participate in the elections and do not sell the vote, implement the reform in justice

The enlargement of the European Union is one of the priorities of the Swedish Presidency of the European Union. The Ambassador of Sweden to Albania, Elsa Hastad, during a television interview, emphasized the continuation of the implementation of the reform in the justice system in Albania. "Let me say a few things about law enforcement. First, if we look at the progress of the justice reform, Albania has done quite well if we also compare it with the progress reports of the EU. Many things have been done in the justice reform. It is a very ambitious reform. The vetting process, the new agencies, the establishment of SPAK, have been done. But I think that in the eyes of the public, ordinary Albanians, the perception is that not much has happened. I think it is very important that ordinary citizens have access to the justice system. There are many case stocks built up over the years. If you have a court case you have to wait for years and years. I think that it is not enough to make reforms, which are very important, but trust must be created among the citizens. We have supported the justice reform! One concrete thing, now we are supporting the digitalization of the administration of court cases to work against corruption. This is because if you have papers, they can move, but if it is digitized it is much easier to stay and avoid corruption. This will be our contribution now. There is work ahead, but it must be said that a lot has been done", she said. Meanwhile, a few months before the local elections on May 14, the ambassador of Sweden calls for participation and appeals that the vote is not sold or bought. "Elections are at the heart of democracy and everyone is watching Albania now. Europe is watching, Sweden is watching, because your progress is our progress. Elections are extremely important. My message is: Vote! Do not sell the vote, do not buy the vote, do not waste it! Use it! Many people have fought to have the right to vote," underlined Ambassador Hastad.