Gjirokastër, students began their hunger strike yesterday The Prime Minister’s alarming appeal in Parliament: Macroeconomic data are shocking. The deficit is growing Parliament: 4 hours of debate on Vlora. A special commission is set up. Zile launches a scathing attack: “You have forgotten Vlora” On page 5 Yesterday at 4:00 p.m., students from Gjirokastër went on hunger strike. The hospital director refused medical assistance. Last night was the first night On page 3 The Albanian Prime Minister makes a frightening statement. The country’s economy is heading toward collapse; inflation has risen On page 5

Protests do not stop. Students at risk VLORA – Yesterday, 20,000 residents of Vlora spent the night out in the streets. After a sad and anxiety-filled night, people breathed more easily. The news that special intervention forces were coming from Tirana remained up in the air. Gatherings in front of the university continued as usual. Over the loudspeaker, delegates from Tepelenë, Himarë, Kuçovë, Lushnjë, Durrës and Tirana were greeted with various slogans and banners. On page 2

CAPITAL High schools empty: plainclothesmen beat boys and girls. Students of “Ismail Qemali” were attacked yesterday by a group of plainclothesmen as they were leaving the schoolyard. On page 3

the city: protest once more Numerous cars belonging to residents of Vlora drove around the city streets, calling for solidarity On page 2

Only one candidate for the presidency. Parliament is a formality Test at the DP Council: only 5 abstentions Only one candidate for the presidency. Parliament is a formality Berisha: Parliament votes on Monday Test at the DP Council: only 5 abstentions TIRANA – Berisha wins the first round on his way to the presidential seat. Yesterday he secured the affirmative votes of 85 members of the DP National Council, with only 5 abstentions. It was a secret ballot, with no competing alternative and many superlatives in his favor. This was enough for the current President to see himself installed once again, and for Sali Berisha to run again for the high office of President of Albania. “His undeniable contribution to democracy and his many merits have earned him a unanimous vote.” This is how Tritan Shehu commented on the vote in favor of Berisha. Meanwhile, the position of the motion proponents has been made clear: “Berisha is the man this nation needs; there are no other alternatives,” Dashamir Shehi commented after the meeting. Yesterday, the DP National Council decided that Sali Berisha should alternatives,” Dashamir Shehi commented after the meeting.

TIRANA – A total of 27 years in prison is being sought for two young men from Berat, accused of organizing violent protests and setting fire to state property in Berat. The prosecutor requested that 22-year-old Artur Dushi be found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The charge of violent acts against state property against the other defendant, Kujtim Hoxha, was dropped for lack of evidence, and a 7-year prison sentence was requested for taking part in illegal rallies and preventing police officers from carrying out their duties. Their lawyers will speak today at 1 p.m., after which the judges will decide on the sentence. Of the whole army of witnesses, in connection with the arrests, destruction and arson in Berat, only two have so far been brought before the court to face sentencing. After many consecutive hearings, the trial of Dushi and Hoxha, accused of violent acts against property—a charge carrying a minimum of 15 years in prison—has come to an end. After reviewing the suspicious events in Berat, the prosecutor said Dushi had been at the head of the crowd and had led it to burn and destroy; according to him, this charge was also proven by video footage. He requested a full 20-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, the lack of evidence led the prosecution to withdraw the charge against Hoxha, but he was not spared a request for a prison sentence. The prosecutor requested 7 years for resisting the police and obstructing rallies.

High prices paralyze imports TIRANA - The currency explosion and the lek’s plunge into the abyss are shaking the goods markets, imports and trade in the country in general. The daily rise in the dollar exchange rate and other currencies is being followed step by step by the prices of many consumer goods, which are becoming more expensive by almost the same amount. The frightening duet of currencies and the prices of goods, with its relentless upward movement, discourages buyers and paralyzes trade. On page 4

FROM THE WORLD President Stojanov Bulgaria in the grip of famine On page 11

Yesterday afternoon, the students of “Eqerem Çabej” made their decision. Boycott in Elbasan too

The fate of the Championship will be decided today On page 10

Super Aida in a modern version On page 8