National testing and performance-based pay - Government proposes amendments to the law "On Civil Servants"
The government has submitted for Public Consultation a series of amendments to the law "On Civil Servants", with the aim of adapting public administration to contemporary standards of European countries. The draft law brings innovations in the way state employees are recruited, evaluated and managed.
The most important change is related to the new procedure for admission to the administration, which will be carried out in two stages, to guarantee transparency and equal opportunities for all. These stages include a general national test for all candidates and a second specialized competition for each vacant position.
The draft law also provides for the unification of employment standards in all public institutions, including those that are not part of the civil service, by establishing a single testing system for the administration.
The Commissioner for Civil Service Oversight will have more power to fine officials who do not implement his decisions. If a decision is not implemented, the Commissioner can impose a monthly fine of up to 50% of the salary until the decision is executed, a measure aimed at stopping negligence and delays in the administration.
Other innovations include reforming the High-Level Leadership Corps, with five-year mandates for secretaries general and heads of institutions, as well as the move towards an open career model, allowing movement between the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, the salary structure is changing significantly. Until now, civil servants benefited from automatic salary increases over the years and with standard assessments, regardless of actual results at work. With the new draft law, this system is abolished and replaced with temporary performance bonuses, which will be given only to those who stand out for concrete results or innovation in their work. The purpose of this change is to create a more motivated and competitive administration.
For the first time, the law also recognizes the possibility of hybrid work, giving public servants the flexibility to work partially from home, in accordance with the needs of the institution.
Another new element is the integration of excellence students, who will have the opportunity to work for a year in public institutions, as a form of preparation for a career in administration.
The authorities emphasize that these changes aim to create a more professional, more efficient administration, and one adapted to the European integration process.
Reforming public administration is one of the main conditions of the Albanian government on the path towards membership in the European Union, being included in the first chapter group "Foundations".
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