Albania’s Waste Crisis: Toxic Smoke and Governance Issues Exposed

Albania is grappling with a severe waste crisis, marked by toxic smoke from burning landfills and widespread allegations of corruption. Promised state-of-the-art incinerators, funded by millions of euros, remain largely unbuilt or non-operational, exposing deep-seated governance issues and posing significant public health risks across the nation.

The waste crisis is emblematic of broader governance issues in Albania. Critics point to a trend towards de facto one-party rule, fueled by elite capture of institutions, impunity for corruption, and a propaganda machine that suppresses dissent.

Environmentalists and civil society groups are demanding a full audit of waste contracts, criminal prosecution of all senior officials involved, and the establishment of a transparent, European-standard waste management strategy. As the black clouds continue to rise, many question how long Albania can endure this literal and political suffocation.

Source: Balkan EU