Motion in the DP: Berisha, go! Selami should return
Ceka's candidacy is wavering. The Socialists are demanding the Ministry of the Interior
Republika
13 July 1997
The King packs the Throne into a suitcase
The King left yesterday with a small entourage following him.
His departure was not at all as triumphant as his arrival in Athens. Very few supporters came to see off the heir to a Throne that seems it will never be established in this country. Nevertheless, watched by the police and journalists as he was seen off, the tall King shed a few tears yesterday for some women who had served him during these difficult times.
Leka I came to Albania at a moment of extremely severe crisis. From the very first day he set foot on this soil, he presented himself as a man who would contribute to peace, unity and brotherhood. Although there were many serious incidents during his campaign for a referendum on the form of government, Leka I was the only public figure who did not insult anyone during the campaign, except America and the neighbors.
His Highness’s campaign did not attract the attention of Albanian politics. At no electoral rally did Albania’s political leaders declare themselves on the form of government, despite all the parties, except Legaliteti and the Conservatives, favoring a republican form of government. The referendum results were initially announced, amid great commotion, by the Minister of the Royal Household as a clear victory for the Monarchy. These statements made it into foreign television news bulletins and spread a certain confusion through Albanian minds. Nano, the boldest figure in the aftermath of the elections, declared that the referendum had gone for the Republic. That was all it took for chaos to erupt in Tirana, and for the King to be advised not to make himself a target for a crowd whipped up by the great losers of June 29. The King’s turmoil claimed the life of a young man, who became a martyr for a nonexistent Kingdom. Leka I’s subsequent rallies seem to have convinced him that the people did not care all that much about their sovereign, who had declared that if he did not win, this country would be taken over by the devil.
Leka I left yesterday, exhausted by a campaign, a clash, several rallies and many failures. Muçosmani and his companions went with him, forming a makeshift Court.
The midsummer night’s dream ended yesterday.
Enkel Demi
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