dw.com
Albania's Cashless Society Goal: An Ambitious, Yet Unlikely, 2030 Target
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama aims for a cashless society by 2030, a goal facing significant hurdles due to high informality, weak cybersecurity, and limited digital infrastructure.
- What are the immediate challenges to Albania achieving a cashless society by 2030?
- High informality, particularly in the agricultural sector, hinders the transition. Millions of euros in remittances are sent through unofficial channels, and Albania's major trading partners also have high levels of informality. Furthermore, the country lacks the necessary cybersecurity infrastructure to protect against potential attacks.
- How does Albania's current digital infrastructure and cybersecurity posture affect the feasibility of this plan?
- Albania's digital infrastructure is underdeveloped; international payment platforms like Stripe are unavailable, and local payment gateways are expensive. Major cyberattacks in 2022 and 2024 targeted government systems, highlighting significant vulnerabilities and a lack of preparedness.
- Considering the obstacles, what is a more realistic timeframe for Albania to achieve a significant shift towards a cashless society?
- Given the substantial challenges related to infrastructure, cybersecurity, and public acceptance, a more realistic timeframe would extend beyond 2030. Significant investment and systemic changes are needed before widespread digital transactions become the norm in Albania.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's plan for a cashless society by 2030, showcasing both the government's ambition and the significant challenges and skepticism surrounding its feasibility. The introduction clearly states the plan, but immediately follows with counterpoints from citizens and experts. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely reflect this balanced approach.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While the Prime Minister's statements are presented directly, they are immediately followed by contrasting viewpoints. There's no use of overtly charged language or emotional appeals.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on current digital transaction rates in Albania to provide a clearer baseline for assessing the ambitious goal. Additionally, perspectives from the Albanian government beyond the Prime Minister's statements could strengthen the analysis. However, given the scope of the article, these omissions do not significantly distort the overall narrative.
Gender Bias
The article includes a quote from a woman, Mimoza A., representing a counterpoint to the government's plan. Her inclusion avoids solely focusing on male perspectives. However, more diverse voices representing different socioeconomic groups and regions of Albania would be beneficial for a more comprehensive picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Albanian government's plan to transition to a cashless society, while facing challenges, aims to improve financial inclusion by bringing more people into the formal financial system. This could potentially reduce inequality by providing easier access to financial services for marginalized groups, although the article highlights significant obstacles to achieving this goal. The success of this initiative is crucial for bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive growth, which are key aspects of reducing inequalities.