At the height of the wildfire alarm, Prime Minister Edi Rama came forward with two promises: three aircraft for aerial intervention by the end of the year and an immediate bonus salary for forces on the ground. For now, these are announcements made by the head of government himself in front of firefighters and Civil Emergencies personnel.
The government speaks of 3 aircraft by the end of the year
According to Rama’s statement, the procedure for the three aircraft has been completed and the assets are expected to pass into state ownership at the end of the year.
He also said there is an agreed process so that, in cases of special need, other aircraft will also be available from the base where the new assets are being prepared. No further public details were given on the specific delivery deadlines or the terms of this arrangement.
Immediate bonus for forces on the fire front
The prime minister said he has proposed that all forces belonging to the Ministry of Defense and involved in confronting the fires immediately receive an extra month’s salary.
In the same appearance, he also called on municipalities to follow the same line for their firefighter units, without waiting for the end of the season or for operations on the ground to conclude.
Promised investments, but without full details
Rama said investments will continue for better conditions, cooperation with partners and salaries for personnel involved in emergencies.
However, the public statement did not clarify the amount of funding earmarked for the bonuses, how the extra payment will be distributed, or under what procedure local structures will be included.
The announcement comes at a time when fire management capacities are once again at the center of attention, and when promises of aerial assets and financial support are being presented as a response to the pressure on the ground.
Beyond the statements, it remains to be seen when the promised aircraft will materialize and whether the bonus for firefighters will be implemented immediately at both the central and local levels.