An assessment of Enver Hoxha. Meeting Fatos Nano and prison Page 16

The risk of the governing coalition of the PS with its minor allies breaking up—a risk that has been present since the first weeks of its existence—now, in the context of assigning candidates, appears greater than ever. The fact that, for a relatively small number of electoral districts, the allies are continuing a marathon of discussions, not without harsh tones, shows that the coalition members are inclined not to give anything away. Alongside accusations of a lack of “tolerance” or a “spirit of cooperation” at the meetings held over the past few days, there have also been “trip-ups” aimed at some allies. Specifically, leaving Melos’s party “off the list,” for example, means that there can no longer even be talk of institutionalized pacts, pre-election agreements or rules of the game in general. Thus, over those few districts under discussion, the coalition parties are waging a much fiercer battle than they once did over ministerial portfolios, perhaps also because there is little room to maneuver. This tendency is mainly connected with the dissatisfaction that has arisen among the local branches of the coalition parties over how positions in the government and central administration were divided. It cannot be denied that, from the first months after the government was formed, relations between the leaderships and grassroots members of these parties have grown colder. All the allied parties, especially the Socialists, are facing considerable pressure from their grassroots. While Socialist leaders are being urged not to give even a single “head” to the minor allies any longer, the latter are aware that if they are ignored by the major ally, they risk fading away because of a loss of identity. In this way, a “life-or-death” struggle over the candidates in question is also understandable. The more they gain from the bargaining over their allocation, the greater, naturally, the opportunities to appease the dissatisfied. On the other hand, party activists at the grassroots are more sensitive to local government, since it is more tangible for them. Thus, having several party figures at the head of local government also ensures that the party’s grassroots structures remain active. But, setting these considerations aside, the Socialists are interested in keeping the important districts for themselves, since these could also serve as compensation for the minor allies—something they could achieve by giving them some insignificant municipality or commune. Nevertheless, given their demands, there is a strong likelihood that threats to break up the coalition will once again rear their heads. GAVROSH LEVONJA

Page 4 Tirana special forces during one of their operations in recent days Photo: G. SHKULLAKU

The court delivers its verdict in the major trial Three sentenced to death The extreme sentence for those who killed three Mallakastër police officers and wounded another At last, after an extremely long period, the first phase of the trial of the policemen's killers from Ballsh has come to an end. It was the Lushnje Court that handed down the sentence for the killing of the policemen, an event that occurred about six months ago and greatly shocked public opinion in the country. Their trial was held in the city of Lushnje over several consecutive days, and the verdict sentencing them was delivered on Sunday. P. 11

The Democrats have no members on the election commission P. 3

The secret service sets fire to police stations in the districts P. 6

Prosecutor's request for the gang that robbed refugees P. 9

Anti-smuggling mission, suprmjet[e?] installed P. 13

Investigations into the people who instructed Vehbi Alimuca P. 9