Tax collectors, accomplices of the mafia The industry of human trafficking uncovered. Speedboats and [pjet], the network in handcuffs pages 8–9

As the day of the Socialists’ congress approaches, while the balance of forces in the camps of those vying for the party chairmanship is taking shape, surprises are also expected.

As the day of the Socialists’ congress approaches, while the balance of forces in the camps of those vying for the party chairmanship is taking shape, the biggest surprises are also expected. vying for the party chairmanship is taking shape, the biggest surprises are also expected. This is because, during these days, conferences of PS branches will be held in the most important cities, such as Durrës, Tirana and a city such as Vlorë, which, being a socialist stronghold, could also serve as a kind of barometer for the mood of the PS after 9 October. Bearing in mind the importance of the aforementioned cities among the socialist electorate, the PS leaders—first and foremost, of course, the candidates for chairman—have taken on the role of delegates. Specifically, today, while Majko travels to Vlorë, his ally, declared as such a few days ago, Meta, will face Nano in the city of Durrës. But for precisely this reason, the Durrës conference will show what fate awaits Majko, Nano and the PS in general. Yesterday, in Kavajë, a fierce duel took place between former chairman Nano and Musa Ulqini. Bearing this in mind, many may think that the Kavajë scenario will be repeated in Durrës. In fact, Nano, as on other occasions, sees the shortcomings of Majko’s government as one of his main weapons for bringing his former disciple to his knees; there is no doubt that today, too, he will continue to stigmatize the mistakes of his opponent and the government he leads. But it is known that Nano has left every door open to a compromise, and one of the most likely partners for an “in extremis” compromise is precisely Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, declared an ally of Majko not long ago. In light of this, the former socialist leader is likely to show restraint in his attacks on the government, trying to avoid a clash with Meta, whom he sees as a potential ally whose support could bring him back to the head of the party. Meta himself, too, known for making U-turns at key moments, would have no interest in burning all bridges with Nano. Indeed, given Nano’s lack of ambition to become prime minister, after an alliance with him Meta is quite likely to see himself at the head of a government with strong support from the party. So, after what happens today in Durrës, there will be no more need for speculation. If the Nano–Meta duel is fierce, that will mean the “Majko–Meta” alliance has been definitively consolidated and Nano must prepare for a tough battle on 9 October. But if the exchanges between the two PS elephants today are moderate, there is a strong possibility of a Nano–Meta compromise, to be announced at the congress, perhaps even [through] the voting procedures. And after that, Majko will find himself out of the game; Durrës will finally decide the alliances for the PS congress.

Page 27 Eva Alikaj in the role of Juliet with Margarita Xhepa

Change in Tirana police. Majko’s signature awaited The change in the Tirana police force, long sought by the Minister of Public Order, appears to be taking shape. The prime minister’s signature will not be long in following Poçi’s decision to bring to the capital the famous man from Elbasan, Edmond Koseni, the tough operator who caught the country’s main gang leaders. Havari, meanwhile, will leave the police force and return to the Ministry of Justice. It is not known whether Koseni’s arrival in Tirana will bring with it the methods the commissioner used successfully in Elbasan. But it is clear that the Minister of Public Order is bringing him in as a strong hand. page 7

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