NANO-META DUO DANCE
The two old rivals join forces to challenge Majko
Yesterday, contrary to expectations at the high-level meeting of the Socialists, Meta, Nano’s main opponent, made a move that disoriented most KPD members.
The Deputy Prime Minister, although he could have attacked former chairman Nano (since the latter’s position is not what it once was), found a modern way to offer him cooperation in the interest of preventing the total destruction of the PS. Unlike Servet Pellumbi, who attacked Nano with every smoke bomb in his arsenal, Meta, according to analysts, made an unexpected move: he pointed out Nano’s shortcomings, but made it clear that he remained a politician the PS needed, if the former leader sought consensus and did not flex his muscles for a duel. On the other hand, the prime minister, who still wields the power of office, fired arrows at his former friend, thanks to whom he had climbed the highest rungs of power. Majko, surrounded by a host of tickets for the Tirana–Washington and Tirana–Ankara flights, seemed to indicate that he would run only for the post of PS chairman in June, although Kastriot Islami, a presidential contender, Servet Pellumbi, the anti-Nano man, Namik Dokle, the man who could take over at the head of the PS as a result of compromises among the PS clans, and even Koçi of Public Order may have been laughing up their sleeves—the latter thinks he can compete among the “wolves” of politics, despite not having driven the “wolves” out of public order. Thus, after Majko’s speech, those putting forward candidacies for PS chairman tried to define their future alliances. Former chairman Nano is thought to have the support of more than 30% of Congress delegates, so an alliance, whether temporary or prearranged, could lead to his re-election as head of the PS. It is not known who his partner will be: Majko or Meta? Majko is still attacking alongside the executive, while the Deputy Prime Minister, after growing distant from Majko, may accept Nano’s offer for one to lead the party and the other the government. But the former Socialist leader is said not to want to return to the head of government for at least five years, so the prospects of a Nano-Meta alliance guaranteeing Nano’s victory in June are strong. The new alliance has cooled Pellumbi’s relations with Meta, as well as Islami’s with the Deputy Prime Minister, although, since politicians are pragmatists, it could also lead to a Majko-Meta duo if the signal sent yesterday at the meeting by the current Deputy Prime Minister is not understood. That would mean Nano’s defeat against so many opponents, who have power and at least some voters on their side. In any case, we will have to see how the ties between the clans develop. Yesterday they began to take some shape, but nothing can be considered settled, since the clans have forgotten Meidani and Gjinushi, who are pulling many strings to keep Nano from returning to politics.