- The successful implementation of the reform is complicated by the quality of its proletkult - The competitiveness of an economy based on the collective ownership transferred to the Albanian people has still not been proven There are unexpected dangers in the life of a country trying to undertake radical reforms in the economic base and in the social and political system. The rise of the political reform in Albania has created the foundation for a sound economic development of the country. Under the positive influence of political reform, visible changes have also begun in Albania. This process has been accelerated more than 200 days after the decisive victory of the democratic forces in the elections of 22 March. Economic reform, for well-known reasons, started late. It is deeper than the political one and concerns major transformations of the economic structure and its system. The nature of economic reform has been determined by the country’s very deep economic backwardness, by the bankruptcy of the former system, by the need for radical transformations in the economic system, and by the need for a very rapid solution to the socio-economic problems inherited and newly created. For a certain period of time, the pace of economic reform in Albania will be determined by the imperatives of economic survival, by the need to stop further decline, to ensure a minimum of stabilization, and to create the basis for recovery. It is natural that the first reforms should be directed toward eliminating inherited obstacles, freeing economic energies, and creating the conditions for a functional economy. This requires quick but carefully considered decisions, so that irreversible consequences are not created. In every society coming from a totalitarian system, economic reform encounters resistance, not only for material reasons, but also because of the inherited administrative and psychological culture. Albania is no exception. Therefore, one of the main conditions for success is that the pace of change be measured, programmed, and supported by institutions that gain public legitimacy every day. In this process, both paralyzing slowness and irresponsible haste must be avoided. Clarifying the economic reform requires not only legal and administrative acts, but also public communication, social persuasion, and a new ethic of property, labor, and responsibility. Only in this way can it be proven in time that the economy based on the collective ownership transferred to the Albanian people is truly competitive and capable of surviving in the market. (To be continued on page 4)

Zyrën in my Dajç and gravel. The municipality has been in a state of alarm because of water. In the district of Shkodër, water movements and heavy rainfall have caused severe damage to agricultural activity and homes. In many cases roads, fields, and service centers have been damaged. Local staffs are trying to organize first aid and create conditions for accommodating the most endangered families. There has also been damage in the surrounding municipalities, where the stream and the rivers have overflowed their banks. Some road segments have been temporarily blocked and communication has become difficult. Local structures have requested help with transport means, food, and medicines. This same situation is also present in several other areas of the north, where bad weather has worsened the situation and increased the risk of new floods. (To be continued on page 4)

From the visit of President Sali Berisha to Lezhë and Shkodër First, the President of the Republic, Sali Berisha, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Selami Xhepa, the prefect of Shkodër, the mayor, and other local authorities, visited yesterday the areas most damaged by the floods. In meetings with residents, he became directly acquainted with the difficulties, material damage, and the measures being taken to normalize the situation. The President stressed that the government will do everything to confront the consequences of this natural disaster and to help the affected families. He praised the resilience and solidarity of the residents of the affected areas, emphasizing that dealing with this situation requires the cooperation of all state structures and the community. In Lezhë and in Shkodër, several of the most problematic points were inspected, while the local authorities presented requests for emergency aid, including food, shelter, and transport means. The President assured that there will be a full institutional commitment to overcome the difficulties as quickly as possible. (To be continued on page 4)

It is requested to employ a pensioner-soldier or a soldier released from service, who will take responsibility for the security of the shop. Those interested should present themselves at the Meat and Milk Commercial Enterprise, or contact by phone 247-90. The company Konfeksione is hiring seamstresses and tailors. Those interested should present themselves at the Konfeksione branch and G.24 for the pleasure ISA ÇOFTA Editorial Office: Economist

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