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The greatest mercy is to be merciless P. 3

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Now Albania has reached a point where it risks being excluded from the Stability Pact. The reason is clear. The left-wing rulers find it difficult to break away from their tradition of calling new elections. The tendencies of those in power do not function as regulators of legitimacy. Fundamental issues such as property are not being resolved institutionally, even after the Constitution was adopted. Without resolving anarchy and the conventionalization of corruption. With the fixed idea of building a new reality for themselves, those in power cannot embark on new processes without taking stock of the plunder(s). Gjinushi’s insistence on remaining at the head of Parliament, even though he has not inspired legislative initiatives in the spirit of the new Constitution, shows that within the anti-status-quo, anti-institutional stance, a mechanism of a certain kind is at work, one that provokes strong opposition to change. The country’s institutional life, even after the adoption of the Constitution, continues to grind through an almost self-destructive cycle. Those in power respect the versions that best suit their wishes, denying the “rules of the game.” Their unconstitutionality has brought about a violent clash between institutions, making it all the more urgent to emerge from the Stability Pact. Imitet. even after the Constitution was adopted. Without resolving the property issue, no Stability Pact can be implemented, because the market economy does not actually function. Albanians should not live with the illusions served up by the politics of the day, but should seek new political solutions suited to the spirit of integration and legitimacy. This governing policy is self-destructive. The power of the left has collapsed from within, just like the communist regime. We are experiencing not only institutional but also moral distortion. As long as the state does not guarantee our survival as people and citizens, while producing a machine of destruction, and as long as we live under the hypnosis of civilization and integration, we cannot be considered a state, a democratic country, or modern people. A change to this state of anxiety must not be delayed. Otherwise, we will miss the European train for good.

PAFI-’99

Interview with former Socialist deputy chairman, Servet Pëllumbi P. 3

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