“ALBA”: We are working on covering the elections. PD selects its candidates for Tirana. Nano and Gjinushi in Sweden “KJ” reveals “The plots of international politicians.” In 1979, cardiologist Sali Berisha negotiated for USD 150 million. He took 10 million for himself.

. Not only among politicians, but also in public opinion generally, there is a certain fear about the outcome of the June 29 elections. Berisha’s statements at rallies and events held by his party, about a “historic victory” or the opposition’s “deepest defeat,” have certainly contributed to this. The current unstable situation, in which anything is possible, makes this feeling of fear or uncertainty even greater. On the other hand, the opposition feels somewhat shocked by Berisha’s almost unforeseen revival, as he has gained a great deal of ground if one considers his situation in the first days of March, when he seemed completely finished. The opposition, which had also placed its hopes of defeating Berisha in the international factor, has faced some disappointment in this respect several times over the past few weeks. Above all, the opposition is still weighed down by memories of the defeats of May 26, and even more so of October 20, which drew no criticism from the international community. Nevertheless, it would be a mistake for the opposition to feel weakened and overwhelmed by pessimism. First of all, conditions are not what they were a year ago; they have changed considerably, leaving the opposition facing a Berisha who is much weaker than he was in previous years. Despite his recent recovery, he has lost a great deal on many fronts. The pyramid-scheme crisis and his inability—or lack of willingness—to manoeuvre at the right time have now brought his prestige crashing down. On the other hand, Berisha is no longer even favoured by those who benefited by serving him. With their instinct to side with the stronger party, they have abandoned their former idol. Berisha’s room for manipulation has also now been significantly reduced; it was thanks to such manoeuvres that he managed to deceive his opponents twice within a few months. The participation of the OSCE and other international institutions not only in observing the elections, but also in preparing them, has clearly had an impact in this respect. The printing of the ballot papers and the delivery of the ballot boxes from abroad cannot fail to greatly hinder the possibility of manipulation. Furthermore, the presence of multinational forces, which will also be stationed near polling stations under the pretext of protecting foreign observers, will be a major obstacle to PD gangs or former SHIK agents threatening committee members or tampering with ballot boxes. It was learned in recent days that Italy will send a sizeable additional contingent of soldiers to Albania, and has asked other countries participating in the multinational forces to do the same. Above all, however, the international community is determined to put an end to the Albanian crisis once and for all. Given the fact that Berisha is undesirable to at least two-thirds of the population, the international community is aware that this country can never find peace under Berisha’s rule. Finally, Berisha is also undesirable to international financial institutions, which, now that they have done the calculations, see in Berisha a man who has failed to manage the contributions they have provided to Albania. GAVROSH LEVONJA

President Berisha, 5-year-old Lorenc Bruçi, who saved his life, and the assailant Ilir Ceta

President Berisha, 5-year-old Lorenc Bruçi, who saved his life, and the assailant Ilir Ceta

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