The Socialist grassroots are dissatisfied with the Majko-Berisha meeting. Unemployment and crime are rising The circle of parties calling for a new political solution is widening. Three more parties may also leave parliament Pages 5–7

The experience of this two-year period of left-coalition government has shown in several respects its inability to solve the country’s acute problems. The very fact that the government has seen fit to boast about things such as giving the country a constitution, approving the budget or various laws, not hesitating to mention even the adoption of routine decisions, shows that the government members themselves are aware that they have nothing significant in their basket of achievements to justify their continued stay in power. It is no coincidence that yesterday, on the occasion of the “Majko” government’s 100 days, the official speeches and reports said nothing at all about such problems as law and order, smuggling, corruption and, above all, the decline of the economy. Specifically, Albanians, at least for now, see no glimmer of light in the dark tunnel the country has been in since the tragic events of 1997. In this situation, they have now lost hope of a fundamental turn towards prosperity, of a better future. This is because the changes made over these two years have not brought about anything major either: the money was not returned to creditors, nor was full transparency achieved; domestic businesses have problems with banks and are not receiving credit to develop and increase their workforce; public order is at ordinary levels; politics prevented the judiciary and the majority from trying the perpetrators of the state’s destruction in 1997; the Socialist grassroots are dissatisfied with the Majko-Berisha meeting, although it was an international recommendation; part of the cabinet is incompetent and only steals; clans and financial interests are dividing the PS, etc. However, the current tendency to continue accusing one another over these problems will, without the slightest doubt, lead the country into a crisis similar to that of two years ago. It is clear that avoiding such a crisis, the consequences of which continue to weigh on the shoulders of Albanians, makes it necessary to find a new formula for a political solution. Given the Albanian reality, the most appropriate solution would be to hold new elections. In fact, elections serve as a means of defusing tensions created by the consequences of inefficient governments, since, after all, a good part of the responsibility would be lifted from the government’s shoulders. On the other hand, adopting a new constitution and establishing different rules of the game is one more reason to hold early elections, which are now being called for not only by the PD and Berisha but by the entire opposition. Finally, given the inevitable alternation in power, an early solution would serve the current governing side by allowing it to return to power sooner. Whatever the options for early elections may be—this government being replaced in September–October this year or in April–May next year—one thing is now clear: the old political formula and cooperation have run their course.

Fadil Hasa at PD rallies

A bank that does not lend is not a bank Businesspeople complain about Albanian banks Pages 16–17 “Once a bank stops lending, it has ceased to be a bank. The key to a bank’s success is precisely selling money in the form of credit or through various forms of investment. Personally, I cannot understand the banks’ reasoning. This fear of businesses on the part of banks stems from a lack of information between them. I would like to stress once again that communication between these two parties is precisely the weak point.”

The Hajdari case upsets the political balance PS-PD Page 7

The federation demands that its requests be met Education, strike Page 15

Secretary General Starova enquires about his health Sport - Football Page 21

Culture The longtime dream of the well-known Hollywood actor Silvester Stalone—to drive a racing car, especially a Ferrari—will soon come true. Another film will soon be added to his rich career. This time Silvester will appear both as director and as performer in a new film about the world of Formula Uno, which has attracted a large number of spectators. In this film, shooting for which will begin in the spring, the performer of Rambo will find himself competing against the well-known Ferrari driver Schumacher. Page 26