Rama defends mountain investment plan

Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government’s Mountain Package on Tuesday, rejecting claims that it could strip residents of land rights.

The scheme allows people who have long used state-owned land in mountain areas to gain ownership after completing an approved investment.

The government says the policy will support tourism, farming and small businesses while helping residents remain in remote communities.

Rama said people living in the affected areas wanted the opportunity to invest and had not raised concerns that their property would be taken.

He said the package would bring jobs and development to mountain regions.