Ministers Milo, Ruka and Xhuveli are using their offices to serve their electoral interests. Why does Prime Minister Meta allow it? Foreign Minister Paskal Milo seeks to secure Chinese aid for water-supply systems Page 2

The absolute majority, sometimes held by the PS and sometimes by the PD, has brought a kind of instability to Albanian politics. The absolute majority, sometimes held by the Socialist Party (PS) and sometimes by the Democratic Party (PD), has brought a kind of instability to Albanian politics. Thus, the only way to preserve a balance between these two political forces, which produce nothing but clashes, is to create a third political force, or for a political party in today’s political landscape to become genuinely trusted by the part of the electorate that supports neither the PS nor the PD. Naturally, the PAD had its chance, but it seems to have failed as well, while the PSD is something of an appendage of the PS. The PR, meanwhile, cannot even stabilize itself, let alone the Albanian Right. Fortunately, the Christian Democratic Party remains the only solution in this situation. Perhaps the congress expected to take place in April could offer the Christian Democrats a new way forward, so that their party becomes effective and sought after by both “lions” of politics—that is, by both the PS and the PD. The current chairman, Bushati, who also has merits to his name, is expected to resign and move to an honorary position as party president, giving way to younger people who will aim to genuinely expand its electorate by attracting influential figures from politics, business or the media.

Minister Ingrid Shuli’s dismissal is imminent Page 3 The “disappearance” of Sali

of Sali Lusha: the police are to blame Page 4 Ohrid–Korçë: ministers hold a meeting with two gates Page 5 Local officials imitate the First Secretaries Page 9 They have not repaid the loans; property seized Page 17 Gore and Bush head for the White House Page 15 Here’s how you can become legal in Italy Page 21