The lack of services for the elderly in Elbasan, raised as a concern in an article by Faktoje.al, has led the Office of the Ombudsman to initiate an administrative investigation.
In June of this year, Faktoje.al reported that many elderly people in Elbasan were facing difficulties accessing social services, despite promises made by Mayor Gledian Llatja.
Faktoje.al’s findings revealed that Elbasan, one of the 8 municipalities with the highest aging population, provided very few and non-inclusive services for senior citizens, even though this community is often targeted with promises during election campaigns.
The article shared specific examples of elderly individuals who are struggling with bureaucratic hurdles, and due to their old age, the situation becomes even more difficult.
One such case was Zana, a 71-year-old woman who lives alone in a basement apartment on the outskirts of Elbasan.
‘I’m forced to pay the house tax by myself because my son is unable to cover the water bill, where all the taxes we pay are listed. I pay them all one by one! First, I pay for water and electricity, and whatever is left from my pension is what I use to live. To receive any benefits, I would need to separate from my son’s family tree. He would need to come and handle the paperwork here, but he can’t because he’s in England,’ the elderly woman expressed her concern.
Feriti, 71 years old, attends the ‘Balashe’ social center but requires home care. Agim V., 73, spends his time at the ‘Qemal Stafa’ park, as there are no spots available in service centers.
In light of these concerns raised by pensioners through Faktoje.al, the Ombudsman’s office has initiated an administrative investigation.
‘As part of the administrative investigation regarding this matter, we have formally requested complete and detailed information from the Municipality of Elbasan concerning the issues identified with the services for the elderly in Elbasan,’ the Ombudsman’s office stated.
The initiation of an administrative investigation by the Ombudsman in this case aims to assess the complaints and claims related to actions, inactions, or possible violations of rights by state institutions, specifically the Municipality of Elbasan.
The Ombudsman’s office defends the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of individuals against unlawful or irregular actions or inactions by public administration bodies, as well as third parties acting on their behalf. Its mission is to prevent potential conflicts between public administration and individuals.
The Ombudsman acts based on complaints or requests submitted to them, and may also initiate action on their own in specific publicized cases, but always with the later consent of the concerned or affected party.
Article 12 of the Law on the Ombudsman states: ‘Any individual, group of individuals or non-governmental organizations, who claim that they have rights and freedoms and legitimate interests of the unlawful acts or omissions and incorrect public administration bodies, have the right to complain or notify Advocate People and seek his intervention for restoration of the right or freedom violated.
The Ombudsman is obligated to maintain confidentiality if deemed appropriate or if requested by the individual submitting the complaint, request, or notification.’
Additionally, Article 13 of this law states: ‘In defense of the interests of a large community that may be affected by the administrative procedure, the Ombudsman has the right to initiate an administrative procedure and participate in it, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedures.’
‘At present, the Ombudsman’s office is in communication with the Municipality of Elbasan concerning the above-mentioned cases.
