Nimani: Grants for “box”, but winners don't exist

Artan Nimani, of the Intellectual Forum Europe 2030, has reacted to the Ministry of Agriculture about grants this minister provides for farmers.

According to Nimani, there are major violations in granting grants from the ministry and says there is a lack of transparency and accountability from responsible institutions.

Full Posting:

GRANTE FOR “BU JEATH”, POR FITERS DO NOT EXODISH

The scandal seeking answers from Kurti Government!

The violations and inconsistencies identified in the distribution of agricultural grants for 2020-23s are serious and point out the lack of transparency and accountability by responsible institutions. Kurti government and Agriculture Minister Faton Peci are tasked with taking responsibility for these misuse of public funds.

Based on the findings of the CorrWatch platform. British Embassy Pristina, Group for Legal and Political Studies, GAP Institute and INDEP, these cases should urgently be addressed to justice bodies to stop abuses and guarantee fair sharing of funds in the future.

Of the 1,223 grants distributed during the period 2021-23, 541 of them (about 44%) have been identified with legal or suspicious problems, raising serious concerns about transparency and implementation of criteria in sharing these public money.

The released data points to a series of disturbing problems that require accountability from relevant institutions:

• Unregistered beneficiaries on official platforms like ARBK, which questions their worthiness to benefit from grants.
• Businesses registered after the call was proclaimed, raising doubts about possible favourable practices and lack of transparency.
• Benefiters with different agricultural activities who fail to meet the conditions set for assistance in this sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Kurti Government should give clear answers on these issues:

1. How have these beneficiaries been selected, and what control mechanisms have been implemented to verify them?
2. Why has not the participation of businesses registered after announcing grants calls?
3. What measures will be taken to ensure that public funds are distributed towards legal beneficiaries, in line with the criteria?

These irregularities pose a serious concern over public money management and the integrity of the grant distribution process. Thus, accountability and a thorough review of this process are required to prevent such massive misuse.

This situation testifies to poor and irresponsible management of grants for agriculture by the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture. Gaining funds from non-active and incompatible businesses is open misuse and violation of the law.

The case should be handled immediately by the Prosecutor and justice bodies to put those responsible before the law and to ensure transparency for public funds.

Prof. Asoc. Dr. Artan Nimani

Intellectual Europe Forum 2030