Strategic thinking and strategic planning: Not yet habitual in Albania

Abstract

Overall, short-term and medium-term thinking prevails in Albania, while long-term strategic thinking is inexistent. This is reflected in the planning of each sector, where strategic planning is completely missing. The actual cost of addressing problems is much higher and almost unaffordable compared to a hypothetical situation where there would have been strategic studies in place to anticipate them. After analyzing the constitutional functions of the President of the Republic, we conclude that strategic planning functions should be vested on the President’s Office. Being that these functions are not carried out by any other institution the President is impartial according to the Constitution, therefore more reliable; this creates better chances of a solid communication between the President and the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Assembly. This can be achieved by amending the Constitution, by a popular referendum, or simply by incorporating the solutions in the President’s Organic Law.