“Irresponsible individuals are violating the Alliance for the State’s statute” Page 3

BY SOTIRAQ HRONI* There has been widespread talk that Majko is the chance for his generation, the chance for the country, but also the socialists’ own chance to govern. Perhaps it is difficult to regard each of the above statements as definitively true in light of the challenges awaiting the new cabinet, but judging by the positions taken so far, it seems that something is moving in the right direction. There is a prime minister who is trying to bring the idealism of democrats to the cause of the state and its institutions, to political normality far removed from hostile positions, and away from the corrupt mindsets and practices of recent years. This aim in fact also corresponds to the international community’s main objective in providing assistance to our country. Transparency, openness, but also firmness and dignity in one’s efforts are the most evident features of the new leadership’s mentality, whose mistakes, because of its inexperience, can and should be met with understanding. At the head of the executive, Majko is an opportunity for all Albanian politics and a long-awaited example that will surely have an impact on what we have called the crisis of polarization and of the country’s political class. If successful, this experience will sooner or later find a place in all the other parties, finally introducing elements such as fair play, dialogue, common sense, and a non-black-and-white view of things—ideas hitherto unknown to Albanian politics. This experience will compel a departure from the positions of clan-based intolerance in politics, which has shown itself to have taken over Albanian politics and continues to do so, staining Albania and Albanians with the stigma of being anti-state and problematic. Although still in its early stages, the undertaking of the Majko cabinet deserves support from civil society and the country’s responsible political class. It also requires the full and authoritative support of the Socialist Party itself. Avoiding a confrontational government–Socialist Party relationship, even at this embryonic stage, will determine the fate of both, because the new cabinet’s access to domestic and foreign public opinion is neither prejudged nor constrained by complexes. Consequently, Majko’s own role must not only be strengthened within the party, but he must also be fully supported by it, so that he can lead authoritatively the vital relationship between the government and the people, as well as the relationship between the government and the party in the governing majority. The fate and the future of the Socialist Party—its renewal and revitalization, or its integration into the structures of the European left—are now linked to the name of Europe’s youngest Prime Minister. Any doubt or marginalization, any “consideration” in giving the new leaders time to take on the government’s serious responsibilities, are merely stumbling blocks intended to exert influence and keep the government within the clans or groups of old or new militants. * Adviser / President Meidani

The prime minister’s first visit to the districts The new prime minister, Pandeli Majko, will make his first visit tomorrow at 10:00 in the city of Lezhë, to learn about the problems and needs of this important area of northern Albania

Today at 11:00, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Anastas Angjeli, will hold a press conference concerning his recent visit to Washington. Representatives of the press and electronic media are invited to attend. The press conference will be held at the Ministry of Finance premises

Zani Çaushti, yesterday at the Tirana courthouse, meeting his mother Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU Zani Çaushti, yesterday at the Tirana courthouse, meeting his mother. Photo: GENT SHKULLAKU