CPII and Municipal Council of Durrës conduct public discussion on the Fiscal Package 2012

The Municipal Council of Durrës, supported by the Citizens’ Transparency Office of Durrës (CPII branch), organized on Wednesday 21^th December 2011 at the Bar Restaurant Hotel “Aragosta” the conference with the theme: “Fiscal Package 2012 – discussion of the Municipal Council with the groups of interest & the public”

This activity was attended by tens of citizens who were involved in the Citizens’ Transparency Network of Durrës. Further, senior representatives participated from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Durres, Builders’ Association, small business community and “fason” industry. A large number of municipal advisors were also present.

The media expressed a special concern for the coverage of activity and broadcasted “live” the discussions and debates during that meeting (Ora NEWS TV).

The opening speech of this important meeting was held by the chairman of the Municipal Council, Idrit Hamiti. He highlighted the importance of discussion with the groups of interest and the public, about the municipal budget in general and the Fiscal Package 2012 in particular. He also underscored the importance of the periodic control by the Municipal Council of both the incomes collected by the Municipality and the way how the money of Durrës citizens’ taxpayers further reach the proper destination.

After Mr. Hamiti, the Executive Director of CPII Center, Mr. Gerti Shella delivered his speech. He thanked the meeting participants, specifically the members of the Citizens’ Transparency Network, who were encouraged for the first time to be part of a public debate of such a special importance, as the Fiscal Package. “There is no better opportunity than discussion about local taxes and tariffs to promote public participation in the decision making and strengthen transparency”, said Mr. Shella in his speech.

Further, the deputy mayor of Durrës, Mr. Ardian Çela made a detailed presentation of the draft Fiscal Package. His presentation was followed by the discussions of Mr. Andrea Xhavara, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Durrës, who required the reconsideration of the project presented by the Municipality.
Also, concrete proposals were introduced by Mr. Oliver Ushina, representative of the Builders’ Association, Durrës. His proposals even provoked the reaction of the deputy mayor who challenged some of the requests of Mr. Ushina. Concrete suggestions were also made by Eng. Shpresa Prodani, member of the Steering Board, from the National Chamber of Clothing and Shoe Industry (Fason Industry).

The suggestions and inputs to be generated during this activity will be transcribed by CPII Center and the Citizens’ Transparency Office and will be forwarded for further evaluation to the Municipal Advisors of Durrës. This Office will transmit the information to the municipal advisors for their feedback and evaluation in the course of their decision making about the Fiscal Package 2012 of Durrës Municipality.

CPII Center and its branch, the Citizens’ Transparency Center of Durrës have been working since May this year to promote the civic participation in the local government and transparency during the decision making process, also with the understanding of  the respective elected persons. The initiative is supported by NED, with headquarters in Washington D.C.