IMF in Tirana with preconditions. Cenaj deceives. Silva provides the money.

At yesterday’s press conference, the President tried to clear himself of the accusations and rumors in the press. He swore that he was not responsible for the failure to convene Parliament and, in doing so, laid the blame at the Socialists’ door, saying that they were expressing their revenge for coming to power by blocking the Central Election Commission. He sidestepped the fact that there is a dispute over his mandate, which the Central Election Commission has to determine. Nevertheless, Berisha tried to put an end to speculation about whether he would remain in the Presidency or move to Tiran Shëhu’s office. From the phrases he used, it was clear that he would no longer be president, but would leave and return soon. In his view, the Socialists’ wave of victories would soon subside because it had come about through violence and deception. Despite the harsh tones, the expressions on his face and his rapid-fire remarks about the DP and Berisha, the SP is a black cat, while Fatos is the black tomcat, as if to suggest that they were once members of the same party. It would never have occurred to us to defend Nano’s Socialists, but from what we can see, coexistence is the one thing there will not be. There will be quarrels. The struggle for power will not leave the current president in peace. And it seems Berisha is taking steps to return soon. Unintentionally, yesterday he revealed part of his platform: destructive opposition. Before the government has even taken office, before Nano has sat in the chair, and before Mejdani has entered his office, Berisha’s attacks have already begun. The current president reluctantly accepted being in the minority, but did not accept the prime minister being endowed with authoritarian powers. He fears that the new president will be a ceremonial president, a vase of flowers, or some tropical tree brought in to provide relaxation for the prime minister in the Presidency’s office. A natural question arises: Why is Berisha so concerned about whether his successor will be ceremonial or all-powerful? Does he feel sorry for Mejdani, or for himself? During his reign as president, Berisha had everything: the government (meaning the prime minister), the courts, the Prosecutor’s Office, SHIK, the State Audit Office, and the trade unions. But Albania was left battered from head to toe, the state vanished like salt in water, corruption flourished, Albanians lost their savings—hundreds and all the rest—the newspapers were brutally ruined... And what did the honorable President do to prevent the storms that swept over Albania? While Albania was burning and the country was in a state of emergency, President Berisha hurried to put on his second presidential crown. And he sidestepped this fact, just as he sidestepped his responsibility for the state to which he brought Albania. Yesterday Berisha also played with words: “If I want, I won’t resign, not even with two-thirds, not even with three-quarters.” The fact that he is delaying the implementation of his resignation shows that he is reluctant to part with the Presidency, even though the legal provisions would allow him to reign for another four years. Berisha plays for time and prolongs his stay in office. Albania needs a parliament; let us calm the country down in office. Albanians’ nerves have been frayed by gunfire, rallies, and the unending political war of accusations and counteraccusations. They are tired and exhausted from facing crime with duplicity, without the state at their side. Under these circumstances, Berisha must put an end to the constitutional “reign” he has contrived.

Berisha at yesterday’s press conference. Photo: Geri

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