New signals from the DP
In this period of heightened political tensions, it is an exceptionally positive sign that signals are coming from the DP about the need for dialogue.
This shows that the constructive spirit is still alive in this party, seeking to move politics from the streets to the negotiating table. This is happening while criticism of the policy of boycotting parliament continues, both inside and outside the country.
Thanks to such signals, well-known DP figures, such as its organizational secretary, Mr. Vili Vjesiu, have expressed their approval of the idea of a meeting between the different parties, under the direction of President Meidani. Likewise, the former chairman of this party, Tritan Shehu, has not hesitated to state that “the meeting and dialogue are elements that can lead to stability in the country.” Indeed, he considers the beginning of dialogue an emergency. Reacting realistically, Shehu and Vjesiu point out that dialogue, whatever the results, is always positive. MP Pjetër Arbnori also spoke in favor of the meeting yesterday, calling for freedom and respect for the opposition’s right to speak.
Such declarations by DP leaders are encouraging for the normalization of the current situation. First of all, by accepting President Meidani as an impartial arbiter at meetings between the parties, the DP leaders who favor dialogue are recognizing the sincerity of the president, harboring no doubts that he might be swayed by the party in which he has been active for no more than a year. Secondly, the existence of a strong current within the DP in favor of dialogue with political opponents shows that before long this party will be an emancipated political force, capable of meeting the challenge of competing with the Socialists and the other parties currently in power. Thirdly, a return to dialogue and round-table meetings would deal a very heavy blow to the fanatics and revanchist currents that still operate within the country’s two largest parties, which for now represent Albanian politics.
Following such statements from part of the DP leadership, it is the immediate duty of the PS to respond positively to these steps coming from the other side. Thus, for example, it would be good for the PS, whose members hold a majority in parliament, to modify their plans for adopting the constitution by moving part of the process to joint meetings with the DP and the other parties, including those outside parliament. But regardless of what has been decided in the past, it would be good for the constitution to begin its journey toward adoption at a meeting between the parties.
GAVROSH LEVONJA