One of the most widely publicized promises made by the team that took over the government two years ago was to provide the country with a Constitution. This was because the former opposition, in its criticism of Berisha and his government, repeatedly cited the lack of a Constitution as one of the main causes of the problems that followed—a Constitution on which the legal framework for resolving those problems should have been based. Although its drafting went through many difficulties, familiar to the public, it was finally adopted. But, unfortunately, even though more than seven months have passed since November last year, Albanians still do not feel even the slightest impact of the Constitution, which was trumpeted so loudly and even presented as “the point where the future begins,” and so on. Without exaggerating at all, it can be said that everything has remained as it was. Specifically, the new Constitution has remained more of an ornament, a formality recorded in archives or in the annals of the history of the Albanian state, not escaping the familiar malady of non-implementation. And now, faced with such a reality, the battle between the government and the opposition over matters concerning the new Constitution—from its content to the way it was adopted—seems utterly absurd, having nearly ended in gunfire. The greatest wrong is that the new Constitution is being ignored by the very principal structures of the Albanian state, starting with the institution of the President, who should also guarantee its implementation, then the Prime Minister, and further down the line. For some time, there has been talk of disregard for the Constitution, with reference to the reluctance to restructure the Cabinet in accordance with the articles of the new Constitution. But the situation reaches its peak when one learns that the President of the Republic himself has violated the newly adopted Constitution in every instance, even keeping close to him people whose positions should have been abolished long ago. Majko, too, although perhaps inadvertently, continues to violate the Constitution. This is what well-known lawyers such as Maks Haxhia, Spartak Ngjela, and others have told the media. The President of the Constitutional Court, Fehmi Abdiu, has also raised objections concerning its non-observance. In such a situation, when the state’s own leaders violate the fundamental law, one can imagine what may happen with others when it comes to respecting the laws. Another thing that is striking is the opposition’s silence in the face of such a reality. It is striking that the former opposition, now enjoying power, was critical of violations of the law by Berisha’s officials, but meanwhile they themselves are violators not only of the law, but also of the Constitution.

“The Guard officers you are accusing were the only ones on duty on 14 September, protecting the state. If you convict them, then make room for me too in the dock” page 7

Who is behind the thieving NGOs

For the Kosovar refugees in Vlorë, bread is bought from bakeries in Fier, while vegetables are bought in Tirana. Yesterday [?]rrtarët vlonjatë demonstrated in front of the Municipality and closed their bakeries in protest. page 11