Nano refuses to vote for the new prime minister The Steering Committee gives its vote of confidence to the PS secretary-general. Nano reflects on his 14 months Pages 2–5

BY FRROK CUPI It must be the first time in Albanian politics that a statesman leaves his office and, at that moment, it is not empty, but there is something for him to leave on the table. Fatos Nano, who as prime minister led through the inherited “hell” of governing, lost and gave things up, but preserved one value for the end: he gave the opportunity. Not only because of the elegant and cultivated manner of his conduct as prime minister, but also because of a deeper national and civic feeling, Prime Minister Nano did not hand over an extinguished candle. From the moment he submitted his letter of resignation, everything was normal for forming another government. All the analysts and international observers, who yesterday called from all four corners asking, “What is happening there now?”, received the answer: “Nothing extraordinary”; and, for the first time, they could not earn good fees from the dramatic situation in this country. We can also say that even his opponents were satisfied, although they did not know why. So “Sisyphus” left the Stone at the line of opportunity: 1. If yesterday the Prime Minister found himself in the office tasked with forming a cabinet and in a coalition with an overwhelmingly large majority, he did not clash here by creating social problems. On the contrary, the prime minister sent civil society a message to be mindful of political society. The governments that come next will surely benefit from yesterday’s lesson: the subtext is that the overwhelming vote of the population creates difficulties for actual governance.” Naturally, the next governing difficulties will not face the “next elections”. They will have some “loss” to face. This opportunity will bring emancipation. 2. As of today, the prime minister and the new government have in their hands the opportunity to break with the past, look ahead, and resolve a blessing sooner, along with a solution from the prime minister. The prime minister has never dared—[text unclear]—when the one who, in the name of this opportunity, should return as the “porter” carrying the whole burden of governance up to now, to open the way for the society’s [unclear]. (continued on page 4)

Photo REUTERS Pandeli Majko with actress Violeta Manushi after receiving his party’s vote of confidence to lead the Albanian government

How Law and Order is weathering the political crisis Teta, the final hours Police on combat alert: everything from the blue uniforms Page 7

After the prime minister’s resignation New elections or not PS sees no crisis; PD sees no solution Page 32

If Article 21 of the law is not changed Private radio and TV stations will be shut down Media Association: “We do not recognize the Ulcinj law” Page ...