Prime Minister Edi Rama announced during the latest episode of the podcast Flasim that Albania’s minimum wage will increase to €500 on January 1, 2026, applying to both the public and private sectors, as reported by TopChannel.
“On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will rise, just as we promised. It will be €500, both in the public sector and the private sector,” Rama stated.
The prime minister also outlined a long-term plan for pension increases, emphasizing that pensions will see a steady rise over the coming years:
- January 2026 – pension increase begins
- January 2027 – pensions double
- January 2028 – pensions triple
- January 2029 – pensions quadruple
- January 2030 – pensions quintuple
In addition, Rama addressed the year-end bonuses for pensioners, seeking to dispel what he called “false political and media rumors.”
“Earlier this week, we approved the year-end bonus for pensioners, putting an end to the political and media disinformation that falsely claimed the bonus would be distributed monthly next year or would not exist this year. Bonuses have now been sent to pensioners. Those with pensions up to 20,000 Albanian Lek will receive a €150 bonus, while those with pensions above 20,000 Lek will receive €100,” Rama explained.
This announcement highlights the government’s commitment to improving social welfare and addressing concerns about low-income workers and pensioners.
