Most of the SP Presidency has quietly agreed to a new government with Majko as prime minister The Prime Minister has said that only different ministers can guarantee victory in the 2000 local elections and the 2001 parliamentary elections page 3

As had been predicted, Prime Minister Majko further consolidated his position after the end of the war for Kosovo, which is important when one considers

As had been predicted, Prime Minister Majko further consolidated his position after the end of the war for Kosovo, a fact that matters when considering future developments in the Socialist Party. [The upper part of the title is cut off] war for Kosovo, a fact that matters when considering future developments in the Socialist Party. What matters with regard to the period we have just successfully come through, and its positive effect on the image of Albania and Albanians in the world, is that Majko is using the experience of this period as a path along which to continue further. Nevertheless, judging by the speech he delivered yesterday at the SP gathering on local government, it seemed that the Prime Minister was not satisfied with this alone. Although indirectly, while speaking about the need to democratize government, the need for dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition, and especially the need to increase the degree of autonomy of local government, which is currently dominated by the opposition, he announced significant changes that will also include the government he heads. Unlike his predecessor, who did not go beyond the realm of preaching, Majko was concrete about bringing a modern spirit into Albanian politics. Yesterday he did indeed mention the need for “a new impetus in the work of government,” “a high pace of work” and “professional dedication,” but all of this presupposed bringing into the government and other governing structures people who possess these qualities. Otherwise, if the current members of his cabinet were distinguished by these qualities, Prime Minister Majko would have had no reason to call for them yesterday, almost a year after taking the helm of the executive. On the other hand, considering also the importance he gave yesterday to cooperation with the opposition, it would not be surprising if, very soon, alongside individuals from outside the coalition or non-party specialists, he were to bring into his government a name from the opposition as well. With the measures outlined above, first and foremost changes to the cabinet, Majko not only increases his chances of solving, even if only partially, the problems that are already well known, but, thanks to a spirit of cooperation with the opposition, he disarms extremist factions within the opposition and, first and foremost, within the SP, on whom his opponents are relying. In a way, this would also be a blow to the “number one” mentality, one of the principal conditions for producing dictators. But what matters most is that by imposing this kind of political approach, Majko continues to be a highly interesting leader to the USA and the West, securing their support for himself and, first and foremost, for the country.

The fight against the phenomenon shines only at seminars — page 14

Children from the capital during working hours