Yesterday, for more than five hours, the prime minister answered to the people who toppled Berisha and brought the PS to power Vlora, Majko’s beating The country is not for sale, while unemployment continues to rise Page 3

The people of Vlora make and unmake governments BY GAVROSH LEVONA Yesterday, Prime Minister Majko held a historic meeting with the citizens of Vlora, with the main message that it is the first government since the 1997 state collapse that is not responsible for the bankruptcy of the pyramid schemes. The meeting, held in the “Petro Marko” theater in an extremely heated atmosphere, saw not only harsh debates but also insults, though with considerable self-restraint. The 500-seat hall was small, while at least 200 loyal PS supporters in Vlora remained outside. So, rarely if ever in Albania could there have been such a confrontation between a left-wing government, indeed one born out of the referendums, and a city that has clashed with the people governed by every kind of government. The meeting was attended by numerous international representatives. Local government was represented by the mayor, the district head and the prefect. Not by the Socialist deputies. The opening remarks were delivered by the PS chairman in Vlora, Agron Sheraj. But most of the questions were asked by former members of the PS branch, according to leaflets distributed in the hall. The most critical part of them lay in the civic reaction and not where there seemed to be some burning[?] of the opposition. On 10 December 1997, Vlora and the Majko government were facing the solemnity of an entire resistance. But now, instead of the former pullers[?] of the gun? letter, the people of Vlora are asking questions and demonstrating? their dissatisfaction in a civilized way. The mayor, Shaban Memia, gave dozens of brief explanations. Shkodra? However, not only were the questions sharp, but civic temper also erupted. An irritated citizen took the floor and could not accept that this was the first socialist government. “What you have come to drag through is a political and economic stabilization process that has no basis in the fair, serious and mature assessment made by an ordinary citizen of those who govern him,” he said. His first question was: “Do you recognize the Albanian state?” He asked the prime minister not about issues related to the situation in Vlora, but about property damaged by the state conspiracy during 1997, which, according to him, was the responsibility of the government of the time. In response, the prime minister declared that his government is not responsible for that period. “We are the successors of a government that had no hand in that responsibility,” he said. But the citizen interrupted him, insisting: “What about the properties? Who will pay for them?” Another citizen asked about unemployment, saying that over the 18 months of government the problem has worsened rather than eased. “Olive workers have become beggars, children are in the streets and young people have no hope,” he said. Majko replied that unemployment is one of the gravest wounds of the transition and that the government is seeking investments. Another question came from a former military man about compensation and respect for the state. “They took my house and left me only the uniform,” he said. The hall responded with alternating applause and whistles. By the end of the meeting, it became clear that the prime minister’s goal was not to win over the hall, but to listen to the voice of a city that has tried to overthrow and raise governments. In Vlora, the political climate remains a difficult test for any power.

Almost a boost for the Majko Government Agrin Tirana, the powerful Director General of the Republic’s Prosecutor’s Office, told “Koha Jonë” that the identification of a number of the authors of the burning of the newspaper “Koha Jonë”, as well as the attribution of the attack on the head of KESH, is a good omen for the progress of the process that is investigating the criminalization between 14 September and the first 15 days of October. Moment from the burning under the Majko Government The authors of the burning of “Koha Jonë” are identified Almost a boost[?] for the Majko Government Agrin Tirana, the most powerful Director General of the Republic’s Prosecutor’s Office, told “Koha Jonë” that the identification of a number of the authors of the burning of the newspaper “Koha Jonë”, as well as the attribution of the attack on the head of KESH, is a good omen for the progress of the process that is investigating the criminalization between 14 September and the first 15 days of October. Some time later, a source from SHIK of the Republic Guard[?] said that the fire case is approaching a convincing truth, generally unpublished in Albanian legislation. To have calm in the face of the accusation made by politics and behind the scenes it is enough that the wealth newspapers[?] with hundreds? have cast over the investigation of the people involved. Meanwhile, in some colleagues of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” it had become clear that it is especially being tried to be thrown toward the country by the police. Agrin Tirana, or “J” in the newspaper circles, whose names remain those who burned the editorial offices of the largest Albanian newspaper.

Travelers robbed, drivers beaten and women raped Beyond Tirana, the masks return as thieves/offenders, another concern for order and security, while for ordinary passengers this is an old spectacle. As soon as the first mask arrived. Murrasi started it. It had struck earlier on the highway. And it was finishing as it entered Tirana. Another two buses later and a passenger car. For the others, even the bus. In this “performance,” it was the police who were next. The police said they are investigating. The road from Tirana was terrifying. The first vans had been stopped to be attacked. Passengers described how their money and valuables were taken. Some women said they were insulted and mistreated. In one case, rape was also mentioned. The police of Murras and Thumana were involved in documenting the events, but no perpetrators have yet been identified. Kosova, who had arrived in Elbasan, claimed that such people exist and that the matter will be taken to the minister of order. Murrasi-Lag has also seen such events on other days. Marrës-Lag.

In tomorrow’s issue you will read The government against businessmen Banks block credits for that[?] firm and push prices to businessmen[?] A.N