Public finances

Governments are the sole parties that negotiate with the International Monetary Fund, which provides financial assistance to countries in or at high risk of debt distress. Because of this, unpopular deals often lack legitimacy in the eyes of citizens. 

But, active and inclusive civil society oversight can significantly enhance the legitimacy, transparency, and effectiveness of IMF programmes. 

This not only guards against the disenfranchisement of the populace but also ensures that the burdens and benefits of economic adjustments are equitably shared. 

Considering the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and the Omicron wave that Albania had do deal with during the reporting period, the health-related issues and how the government handled the situation is important to be scanned through the civil society lenses and produce unique reports that scrutinize the health state budget. 

The report answers to the following questions