Enforcing the law on illegal construction creates a conflict among the Socialists “Their signatures cannot override the law” Enforcing the law on illegal construction creates a conflict among the Socialists Meta against 20 MPs “Their signatures cannot override the law” page 3

Gavrosh Levonja Debates and disputes within a party, even when they take place between its leading figures, are certainly

Debates and disputes within a party, even when they take place between its leading figures, are certainly useful and make a valuable contribution to its emancipation. they take place between its leading figures, are certainly useful and make a valuable contribution to its emancipation. Over the past two months, following Pollo’s decision to run against Berisha, something of this kind appears to be happening within the ranks of the largest opposition party as well. Unfortunately for the Democratic Party and for democracy in Albania, however, the duel between Berisha and the group of those now known as “reformers” has degenerated, taking on the character of a street-brawl-style argument, far removed from a genuine political debate. To begin with, Pollo, whatever his shortcomings, is accused in the most irresponsible manner of being a “Greek agent”?! But those making such an accusation fail to realize that, more than anyone else, it strikes Berisha himself, who, at the very least, must have been “gullible” to have kept a man serving foreigners close to him for years. The same can be said of the accusations of “communism” levelled at Pollo and the other “reformers.” Above all, this speaks to the incapacity of the Democratic Party, which, despite all these years having passed, has apparently been unable to root out communism even from its own leadership. But what is harming the largest opposition party most is the accusations and counteraccusations over financial matters between Berisha’s supporters and opponents. A few days ago, the Democratic Party’s propaganda launched a barrage of accusations against Pollo concerning the large sums of money he had received, including funds from a well-known businessman. First, there is nothing immoral about a businessman sponsoring a politician or a particular political group. If the accusers are alleging illegal financing, this backfires on the Democratic Party’s own governance, which must have favoured “Mafia-connected” businessmen who became wealthy through illegal means thanks to their ties with Democratic Party leaders. Second, by using such evidence, Berisha compromises the anti-corruption card he is expected to play at any moment. And third—and worst of all—the accused faction responds with the same weapon, airing damaging accusations against Berisha. As a result, the opposition leader, hitherto untainted by corruption allegations, has to spend his energy dealing with his own people instead of his left-wing opponents—if only to deflect the accusations of his former right-hand man. After these mutual accusations, it is now difficult to speak of coexistence between Berisha and his opponents. By continuing down this path, the opposition, at a time when it needs unity, is destroying itself and ensuring the left a long period of untroubled rule, doing considerable harm to democracy in Albania.

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In just one day they had stolen four From Tirana to Shkodër. The now-familiar car-trafficking route leading to Montenegro will be disrupted, at least for a while. The main gang stealing “Benz” cars, not only in Tirana, was caught yesterday by the criminal police. A great relief for all those who pay every night to have their cars guarded, for those who stay almost awake all night for fear their car will be stolen, and for those who have experienced the theft of a Benz at least once. The bosses behind the Benz thefts were two citizens of Tirana and one from Shkodër, who have been neutralized and detained, at least for a while. Perhaps the court will not dare release them this time, too. page 8

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