Executed and also that... Detached, on the right, from the ADA tree EDMOND LACI TIRANË — From his signature alone, the former Minister of Industry and former deputy prime minister of the last communist government, Koço Theodhosi, earned large sums of money. Untainted until now by scandals shaking a broad class of politicians, he is accused for the first time of having profited unlawfully. The sale and purchase of a large factory, worth 50 million dollars, in Italy in 1990 brought Theodhosi at least 400 thousand dollars, hidden in a foreign bank. That is the prosecution’s accusation. On Thursday, the former Minister of Industry was arrested for “passive corruption” and “abuse of office.” The economic story of a millionaire among politics. Who is Koço Theodhosi? How much did he earn under communism? How did he manage to create his financial empire? The passports of three other specialists were also confiscated. What about the assets of former high-ranking officials of the PPSH? Will Ramiz Alia follow Fatos Nano’s example and be held accountable? The executioner of Italy’s socialists, Pietro Deodato, also speaks: “Types of payments exported to Albania...”

The price rises more for household use ANDREA STEFANI TIRANË — As soon as the government’s latest meeting ended, senior representatives of the Ministry of Finance hurried through the local media to make the decision public. By the end of the month, electricity consumption bills will be 260.5 percent to 100 percent higher. If the largest price increase for household users reaches 260.5 percent, then the average increase for enterprises is estimated at 90 percent. In this way, the government is placing a special burden on household consumption, while at the same time aiming to force savings and curb waste. In the future, according to analysts, the government is choosing a pricing model in which household subscribers bear the main weight of the increase. Oil, firewood and other fuels are already at high levels, so electricity becomes another element of the daily crisis. Many families will find it difficult to cope with the new bills, especially during winter. At the same time, enterprises are expected to reflect the rise in costs in the prices of goods and services. Old and new bills

By S[h]yla Korringi In the electricity sector, as well as in the energy sector as a whole, the government is taking strong measures. Consumers will immediately feel the increased monthly burden, while the production sector promises reorganization and savings. For household subscribers, payment for electricity will see a significant jump. For industry, there will be new calculation schemes. Some of the overdue bills will be checked again. Old tariffs are compared with the new ones and in some cases the differences are large. In some areas, separate categories will be applied according to consumption. Beyond the price increase, the ministry argues that the old system did not reflect the real cost. Citizens, however, remain concerned about winter and heating. On page 2

Disco-rock in Gjirokastër An original example of instruction GJIROKASTËR — Truckloads of outdated military vehicles of the Albanian army, abandoned units, endless bunkers turned into profitable centers, are the everyday sight in the south of the country. Near the city of Gjirokastër, a bunker transformed into a place of entertainment and dancing has attracted the attention of passersby and young people. The owner has brought music equipment there and turned the small military space into a venue with lights, drinks and music. The young people of the city call it “Disco-rock in the bunker,” while other residents see it as a symbol of the major changes after the years of communism. On page 2

Here is how to protect yourself from counterfeit banknotes entering the market TIRANË — Foreign exchange rates have recently come into the public spotlight. Along with them, the circulation of counterfeit banknotes has also increased, especially US dollars. Specialists warn that citizens should be careful when handling dollars, observing the paper, the stamp and the security features. Various denominations imitating the American dollar have been seen in circulation. Some of them have unnatural coloring, others are printed on thicker paper or have blurred drawings. For this reason, traders and citizens are advised to carefully check every banknote offered to them. The published photograph shows a suspicious banknote. The article also gives practical advice on how to avoid fraud in the exchange market. On page 8

A panorama of Berat

News and curiosities about the Albanian championship ON PAGE 3 The final photographs are taken of Lenin’s embalmed body ON PAGE 2 Germany, against the crisis, will work 4 days ON PAGE 2

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