From the speech of President Sali Berisha at the conclusion of the discussion of the declaration of the Democratic Party parliamentary group on the work of the People’s Assembly It is clear and entirely normal that in a parliamentary forum there are different opinions and, if they are presented peacefully, without passions, that is generally a sign of the maturity of the political forces represented there. Likewise, it is clear that no parliamentary force can seek to impose its own views as the only truth. This was also the reason why we have consistently declared that we support the rule of law, the institutions, the government that emerged from the free vote, but we do not accept that everything should pass without being examined and debated. We are convinced that a strong parliament is at once a guarantee for reform and its overseer. Parliament should not be merely a voting machine, but an institution that observes, criticizes, improves and guides. For this reason, the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party has the duty to be serious support for the government, but also its best opposition. Only thus are mistakes avoided, only thus is a new standard of governance achieved, and only thus does citizens’ trust in institutions grow. We need open debate, discussion without prejudice, a parliamentary culture that does not see disagreement as hostility, but as an indispensable tool of democracy. Where there is a problem, it must be said; where there is an achievement, it must be supported. This is the principle that should guide our work. In the work of the People’s Assembly, it is important that laws do not remain only on paper, but are accompanied by real implementation. Otherwise, responsibility is dispersed and the citizen loses trust. We cannot allow the transition to be dragged down by bureaucracy, by a lack of discipline or by narrow interests. Today the country needs a government that works with determination, but also a parliament that follows it closely, helps it and corrects it. This is the relationship that must be built. Blind support is just as harmful as obstructing every initiative. Between these two extremes lies the responsible role of democratic representation. In this sense, the declaration of the parliamentary group of the Democratic Party should be seen as an act of political responsibility and not as a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it shows maturity and the will to face difficulties honestly. Deep reforms require not only energy, but also control, not only ideas, but also accountability. The government and parliament must move in the same direction: in service of the public interest, of strengthening the constitutional order, of the market economy and of the democratic integration of the country. Only in this way can Albania emerge from the crisis and lay solid foundations for the future.

On Friday, the Socialist Party organized two rallies claiming to protest against the government. One of them was held to block the road from Vermoshi to Han i Hotit, and the other in Tirana, in Skënderbej Square. For the former communists who turned into socialists, it does not matter at all whether they receive permission or not for organizing protests. For them, the most important thing is to stir up angry people in order to achieve their political goals. In Skënderbej Square, according to the most accurate estimates, the number of participants did not exceed 2,000 people. Their propaganda, although noisy, failed to attract a large turnout. Most of the people had been brought in from the districts. The crowd tried to provoke incidents with the police and with political opponents. Shouts against the government and against institutions were heard. The organizers sought tension and clashes. Meanwhile, behind the scenes stood the wealthy financiers of the Socialist Party, those who have become millionaires thanks to old connections and privileges. According to the newspaper’s position, they are pushing the party toward political revenge by violent means. (Continued on page 6)

THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Two and a half years ago, one Saturday, the KPD was meeting, and it was also discussing a murder that had occurred. “The murder of the son and the mother of the driver, only two hours before they hanged his father by the neck, did not move them at all, neither on humanitarian grounds nor on human belief,” it was said then. In the speech of the general secretary of that time, Fatos Nano, violence was condemned, but political practice continued with the same inherited methods. The same spirit was also seen in later positions, where revenge and political hatred were placed above reason. Today, after formal changes, it seems that the leadership of the Socialist Party remains tied to old patterns of thought and action. Instead of a modern parliamentary opposition, it seeks emotional mobilization and confrontation. The way the protests are organized, the language used in declarations, and the effort to stir up social conflict show that Enverism is not just a memory, but a presence that still influences the political behavior of this force. If the Socialist Party is to break away from this legacy, it must clearly condemn violence and accept the rules of the democratic game. Otherwise, it will remain hostage to the past. (Continued on page 6)

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA