POSTCARDS FROM ALBANIA: ALBANIA'S 21ST CENTURY GOLD RUSH

UNCLAS TIRANA 000416

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/SCE
DEPT OF JUSTICE FOR OPDAT, ICITAP

E.O. 12958:N/A
TAGS: SOCI ECON PGOV AL
SUBJECT: POSTCARDS FROM ALBANIA: ALBANIA'S 21ST CENTURY GOLD RUSH


1. (U) This cable is part of an occasional series entitled
"Postcards from Albania." These cables are prepared by our locally
engaged staff to provide analysis, opinions and commentary on
Albanian reality from an Albanian perspective. This cable was
contributed by a member of the Pol-Econ staff.


2. (U) Gambling clubs and betting shops have mushroomed across
today's Tirana, from the luxury neighborhoods of downtown Tirana
like the Block Area to communist-style blocks of flats. Many would
argue the establishments do not represent something to be proud of,
although some sport a very modern style, using sumptuous materials
and high-tech equipment. Often they are intermingled with bars and
coffee shops, as if needing each other's reinforcement in a society
that appreciates taking it easy and parading its riches. The
gambling mania is evidence of a disease afflicting most Albanians:
the dream to become rich overnight, possibly without a drop of
sweat.


3. (U) This feeling likely has deep roots in Albania's history.
It may be based on the life style adopted during Ottoman rule and
reflected in traditions that have survived since then. Women
continue to be blatantly overburdened with work both within the
house and outside of it. Idleness and taking it easy were
reinforced under the communist regime, when compulsory equality
among people and the crusade against private initiative led to a
general disinterest in work. It also was one the main reasons
leading to the system's collapse. Furthermore, the illusion of
becoming easily rich seen on foreign TV channels did not help to
restore a basic free market economy principle -- the benefit of hard
work.


4. (U) Despite an admirable entrepreneurial spirit exhibited by
some Albanians, still over the last 15 years some events have
confirmed the existence of a widespread get-rich-quick dream. The
massive participation in the financial pyramid schemes of the late
1990s was the most tragic evidence. Involvement in illegal
activities, such as trafficking of persons and weapons, is another.
There are many other daily examples from Albanian society that can
be named with just one word -- corruption, which goes hand in hand
with easy money.


5. (U) COMMENT: It is obvious that for Albanians, the adoption of
market rules remains a real challenge. The endeavor should
encompass fighting poverty, informality in the economic sector, and
poor governance. Equally, a better education system and greater
opportunities for the young generation are key to dealing
effectively with the root cause of corruption and other greedy
behavior. Albanians have understood that when it comes to these
issues there is no shortcut.

WITHERS