BY FATOS LUBONJA “Nano’s belated awakening,” “Nano—the voice of public concern,” “Nano lays down the law,” “Nano, we are disappointed.” These were some of the newspaper headlines about the news of the government meeting, where the Prime Minister’s critical remarks attracted attention, perhaps as never before. Nano’s remarks somewhat surprised public opinion, which had generally become accustomed to hearing him speak about the dire legacy and the European support enjoyed by the government. There may be different interpretations of the reasons for this change in tone, but one thing is certain: Nano’s remarks were received positively by the wider public. First and foremost, they were received positively because they showed that he and his government are sensitive to criticism, which was not the practice of the Berisha-Meksi government. And this sensitivity inspires confidence. Nano’s remarks were also received positively because abandoning the excuse of the dire legacy showed that the government wants to take responsibility itself. This creates the impression that from now on the cabinet will be more serious, more accountable, and more concerned about people’s lives. The dire legacy is one thing; the government’s work to overcome that dire situation is another. Nevertheless, judging by the evidence so far, Albanians cannot help retaining doubts about Nano’s words. The first doubt is whether Nano will once again remain at the level of words? The first doubt is whether Nano will once again remain at the level of words? In general, the new members of government have not lacked fine words, but they have lacked the commitment, will, and energy to turn them into action. The immediate broadcast of the remarks on television, and the criticisms, which were general nonetheless, cannot help raising the suspicion that Nano, sensing growing dissatisfaction, played a cleverer card, but one that remains demagogic. Perhaps it would have been better if Nano had held a meeting closed to the media, but addressed the responsibilities more directly, assigning them individually and presenting those responsible with hard facts. Nano’s speech also conveyed a certain distancing from his ministers, as though responsibility did not rest primarily with him, even though he is the head of this government and the person who chose them. “We will remove them, by consensus or by order” was the authoritarian tone of a leader who sees the problem in others. Nano must be more aware that his image, his example, his work and his commitment are decisive to the success or failure of the government he leads. In any case, Albanians want to believe that they will see the government’s first “visual action” giving concrete form to these words, and then, as soon as possible, more actions—ever more visible and more significant.

Page 3 Fatos Nano in one of the BBC studios in London Photo REUTERS

Berisha accepts the West’s conditions. No more technocratic government and no 22 March Democrats sign the European Troika’s declaration The leader of the PD, Sali Berisha, has finally put his signature on the official document of the European Troika. In a letter sent to the OSCE Ambassador in Tirana, Everts, the Democratic Party leader states that he accepts all the recommendations made in the final document of the three-parliamentary delegation (CoE, EP, OSCE) headed by Leni Fisher. Everts had previously asked all the country’s political parties to state their positions on this document in writing. P. 4