The Ombudsman hosted in an official meeting the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Mr. Michel Tarran, to reaffirm mutual support in upholding democratic standards. Ambassador Tarran praised the institution as a key ally in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens in Albania.

One of the common priorities discussed was the drafting of the new law on the Ombudsman, a process that is being supported by the OSCE and ODIHR. This law aims to expand the mandate of the institution to include the private sector, which will give the Ombudsman new competencies in protecting consumer rights.

In order to provide citizens with a more efficient service, a new vision of modernization through innovation was presented. The aim is to use technology to reduce bureaucracy and end delays in handling complaints, encouraging young people in particular to demand their rights before the public administration.

“We want more young people to use our infrastructure to claim their rights in dealing with public administration. Our delays in handling complaints remain a challenge, so we are working to implement new technologies,” said Shabani.

The meeting also addressed the right to vote, based on the OSCE’s interest in persons serving sentences, but also expanding the need for facilitations for other social groups. The Ombudsman called for a rational solution through the application of European Union standards, which would allow students and professionals to vote in the cities where they live and work, without the need to travel to registration centers.

“Students living in university cities, or other professionals who are away from their voting center due to their duties, should be allowed to vote in accordance with clear rules, as is the case in European Union countries,” said the Ombudsman.

In conclusion, the conversation focused on deepening regional cooperation. Through Mr. Shabani's role as president of the Organization of Mediterranean Peoples' Advocates, the parties discussed joint activities aimed at strengthening the Balkan network for the protection of citizens' rights.