RAMIZ ALIA IS ELECTED PRESIDENT - He votes with 68.8 percent of the votes. - PDS deputies, with an objective mindset, called on Mr. Ramiz Alia to help make this masquerade fail. Yesterday, the People's Assembly held its proceedings in a shaken atmosphere, charged with emotions and uncertainty. From the outset, the first words, almost ritual in nature, were accompanied by palpable tension. The election of the President of the Republic was placed on the agenda. The name of Ramiz Alia was proposed as the sole candidacy. During the discussions, various deputies expressed reservations, objections, and dissatisfaction with the way the process was being conducted, with the lack of alternatives, and with the attempts to present the election as a calm institutional act. Voices in the hall described the procedure as predetermined. PDS deputies, with an objective mindset, called on Mr. Ramiz Alia to help make this masquerade fail. It was emphasized that Albania is in a critical moment, where political pluralism and public credibility cannot be built on imposition, fear, or false compromise. Nevertheless, the parliamentary majority pushed the process forward. In the vote, Ramiz Alia was elected President with 68.8 percent of the votes. This result was accompanied by mixed reactions inside and outside the chamber. For some deputies it was presented as an act of stability; for others, as a sign of the continuity of the old system under new political conditions. Yesterday's debate once again showed the deep divisions the country is going through on the eve of new democratic developments.

- From the speech of Deputy Sali Berisha - Honorable deputies, said Deputy Sali Berisha in his speech, the Democratic Party, convinced that the democratization process cannot be formal and commanded, cannot give its approval to a candidacy emerging from the mechanisms of the PPSH. This does not mean prejudice against the individual, but opposition to the political way in which the candidacy is produced. Albania needs credible institutions, not the reproduction of a façade. In his speech he emphasized that Albanian society is seeking real guarantees for pluralism, freedom, and the rule of law. The election of the president must be the result of broad consensus and an open process. Otherwise, it cannot serve as a factor of national unity. He also emphasized that the Democratic Party cannot approve the candidacy of the PPSH.

Honorable Chairman, Honorable deputies, Dear colleagues, Dear people, The President of the Republic, in the most humble way, feels it his duty to express gratitude for the confidence given. At these dramatic and important moments for the country, I am aware of the burden that this office carries. My aim will be to preserve stability, advance reforms, and guarantee the high interests of the homeland. We must proceed with prudence, without adventures, but also without unnecessary delays. Democracy requires responsibility, understanding, and dialogue. In this spirit, I call on all political and social forces to contribute to peace, order, and the transformation of the country. No party should remain outside the process of change. I am convinced that through work, dedication, and unity we will overcome the great difficulties that lie ahead. Albania will know how to find its path toward progress.

(Naimi against himself) Where Ahmet Kërneta[?], the well-known writer and thinker, was polemizing about some current issues with one of his friends. The conversation also turned to laughter, satire, and the way a person sees himself. At one point he said that man's greatest enemy is himself when he does not know how to accept the truth. From this was born the anecdote he later told. At the end of the conversation, he stated that history often places people face to face with their own mirror. (continued on page 6)

He ironizes the education minister's policy After a long hesitation, Gramoz Ruçi finally spoke publicly about the latest political developments. In his statements he ironized the positions and policy of the Minister of Education, making it clear that the disagreements within the official camp are deeper than they appear. He tried to present himself as a critic, but without breaking away from the logic that produced him. (continued on page 6)

Parliament continues After 5 hours of work in the group of deputies from the city of Tirana, yesterday, during discussions chaired by Adil Çarçani, there was a noticeable shift in the positions of 75-76 deputies. The number of deputies who followed this meeting exceeded 200. Various arguments were heard, but in general it was noted that this time, as usual, there was less aggressiveness on the part of the Tirana deputies and more nervousness and disregard. The official commanders, bureaucrats, revisionists, veterans, etc. again made attempts to impose the old reform formula. The latest move by the organizers and Albanian pseudo-democrats did not begin today. It has come as the result of years of effort by all those who seek political pluralism and democracy in Albania.