The KPD will debate the government, there where it pacified victory in 1997 The criminals of ’97 have returned to the structures of the Ministry of Public Order The KPD will debate the government, there where it pacified victory in 1997 Tomorrow Vlora welcomes the SP, with Berisha’s police officers The criminals of ’97 have returned to the structures of the Ministry of Public Order

By GAVROSH LEVONJA The departure of the Social Democrat Shuli from the government was another step that clearly compromised the manner and principles on which the governing coalition had been built three years earlier. Something of the kind had been apparent from the paradoxical allocation of the most important government portfolios to minor allies, who could secure even their few seats in Parliament only thanks to the votes of the Socialist electorate, which had borne the full weight of the sacrifices in its role as opposition during the DP’s time in government. More importantly, the SP’s deals with its allies, by making way for their ambitions, penalized the capacities the SP possessed in various fields. As a result, the “meritocracy” then promoted by Socialist leader Nano could not go beyond the bounds of a slogan, making it seem more like a publicity device in the context of his presentation as a modern, Western politician, etc. More than anything else, the governance of the “Alliance for the State” coalition was harmed by the unbounded stubbornness of maintaining the balance of forces within the government over the three years, regardless of the negligible weight of the SP’s allies on the political scene. Thus, although some figures from the PAD, PSD and another ally proved incapable of carrying out the duties entrusted to them, or faced accusations of involvement in corrupt dealings, even after their forced departure they were replaced by colleagues from their own parties. And constructive critics from sections of the SP were branded by the allies as “provocations by certain circles within the SP.” Another bad consequence was that such practices also cast doubt on the principles on which the coalition was based. This was evident in the reaction of the Social Democratic leadership most recently, after Shuli’s departure, when justifications concerning “Shuli’s achievements” or “fulfilment of the PSD’s commitments in the coalition” took the place of self-criticism. Yet this pathological insistence on keeping an unrealistic coalition on its feet serves, more than anyone else, to rehabilitate Berisha, who rose again by exploiting the mistakes and faults of the various components of this coalition. In any case, the way Prime Minister Meta reacted, appointing one of his own non-party advisers in place of the discredited Shuli, gives reason to hope for the return of a realistic spirit to governance, particularly as regards the role of the allies in the coalition and relations with them.

Investigations into the Kërrabë robbery page 5 Investigations into the Kërrabë robbery The thief’s shoe from the Treasury is being sought page 5

Unlicensed ones will be demolished page 14 Unlicensed ones will be demolished Illegal constructions: now fuel stations page 14

The USD 12 million tender page 16 The USD 12 million tender Kuwait takes control of the Port of Durrës page 16

Gjebrea sues Tv Klan page 28 Gjebrea sues Tv Klan Beauty queens, now a parade before the judges page 28