. The Christian holiday brings a political “truce” and a few more hours of lights. PS chairman Nano, from Austria, sends greetings to Christian believers. Dokle: “I would not celebrate religious holidays abroad.” Pages 3, 5, 12

The political leaders of the Albanian majority have returned to the center of public attention in recent days because of a private preference of theirs: celebrating Christmas abroad. In reality, this gesture was followed by criticism, focusing mainly on the context of the country’s critical situation caused by the energy darkness. Viewed through the lens of the moral obligation the two leaders have toward public opinion, this gesture remains controversial, while it also sets another precedent: touching the official “institution of greetings” in this country. Prime Minister Meta, although he conveyed a message of Christmas greetings, was absent from the traditional ceremony at the capital’s church, perhaps preferring instead to find peace in an Alpine setting in Vienna. This departure of the prime minister coincided, rather curiously, with a “passage of alliance” with party leader Nano. The political leaders of the majority, through this exotic private preference, have suddenly set precedents that have drawn further criticism from public and political audiences. Opposition leader Berisha, as well as opponents within the governing spectrum, have gained an opportunity to shake the prime minister’s [???] on Christmas Day. It is only the populist mentality dominant in this country that turns such cases into a mistaken political move that invites a reaction. Meanwhile, within the structures and groups of the majority, Prime Minister Meta’s intimacy with Socialist leader Nano is bound to provoke reactions and friction. (Quite clearly, the way the current opposition views such alliances in the country suggests that, in opposition, “the ranks” have also been joined by God, with the capital church’s “resentment.” Following the latest gesture, made abroad, and politically punishable, the head of the Albanian Executive has [continued?] to unwittingly set off another situation of reactions and developments. The energy darkness, unwittingly set off another situation of reactions and developments. The darkness that has grown after [violence?] unwittingly set off another situation of reactions and developments. The energy darkness, in this situation, is expected to be the greatest and most gripping enemy for the Meta government in the country, above all else. Naturally, the official explanations, [unclear] and [unclear], and others not present, will not be enough to convince citizens or manage to soothe [their?] distress. This crisis, the most severe in the country’s social sphere in the past 80 years, undoubtedly also carries a political cost. These suspicions have become a heavy burden on Prime Minister Nano’s shoulders. And in the latest case, it can be said that this time the change [slight?] did not come from the crowds in the streets, but began with the “stone” that the party leaders threw at the official “institution of greetings” on a symbolic day marking the birth of Christ.

Last night, the Albanian capital showed that it could also have festive lights in its center, while its neighborhoods and outskirts were covered only in frightening darkness. Dozens of artists from Tirana’s professional companies performed songs and various pieces at a festive Christmas concert, drawing the thousands of citizens in attendance into an enthusiastic atmosphere and helping them forget the gloom caused by the darkness. The concert was promoted by the Municipality of Tirana and Mayor Edi Rama himself. Meanwhile, through a municipal initiative, the capital’s most public space has now taken on a festive, sparkling appearance. The Municipality’s initiative made Tirana look, for a few hours, like the capital of a normal country, with lights and a pleasant festive atmosphere. Photo: P. ILO

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After a tourist visit to Austria since Saturday for Christmas, PS leader Fatos Nano and Prime Minister Ilir Meta arrive home today.