TIRANA — There will also be a 30 percent devaluation of the lek — after the signing of 1994, possibly also in January 1994, according to the initial estimates. This yesterday’s conversation between President Berisha and the American ambassador in Albania, Mr. Rajerson, has received special attention. Many analysts have described it as highly significant for Albania’s economic and political future, especially on the eve of 1994. Another 10 percent devaluation would lead to a rise in inflation and prices, but the government appears to consider it inevitable. According to our sources, President Berisha admitted that the Albanian economy is going through a very difficult period and that the country needs help and guidance from its Western partners. He stated that Albanians should not forget what a difficult history they have left behind and that today’s sacrifices must be seen in relation to the country’s European future. In this sense, 1994 is seen as a test year, in which success will depend on maintaining political stability and on the results of economic reforms. According to yesterday’s reports, the DP deputy, Mr. Bashkim Kopliku, former deputy prime minister, spoke in critical tones about the pace of reforms and the management of several key sectors. Meanwhile, Shkëlzen Maliqi stated that the political climate in the country calls for more dialogue and transparency. On the other hand, diplomatic sources indicate that the United States and European partners will continue to support Albania, but expect more concrete results. This new situation has placed Albanian institutions before a major test. If economic measures are deepened, this will have direct consequences for low-income groups. Likewise, the rise in prices of imported goods may further burden the market. Nevertheless, the government believes that the stabilization of public finances and the improvement of fiscal discipline will create the basis for a gradual recovery.

The final government decision will soon be made From January, a new increase in wages and pensions for every Albanian There will also be a 30 percent devaluation of the lek TIRANA — The current high level of devaluation that the Albanian economy is going through will be accompanied by another increase in wages and pensions during the first months of 1994. At the end of yesterday’s conversation with the American ambassador in Albania, Mr. Rajerson, President Berisha let it be understood that the government is preparing a package of new measures to soften the social consequences of the devaluation of the national currency. He said that during 1993 several wage and pension adjustments were made, but the new situation requires another reassessment. According to data circulating in economic circles, the lek may undergo another devaluation of up to 30 percent, which would directly affect the cost of living. For this reason, the government is expected to announce the final decision soon. Sources close to the executive say the increase may affect both state employees and pensioners, while the details regarding the beneficiary categories are still under review. According to them, the goal is to preserve the minimum income level for families most hit by inflation and rising prices of goods. However, the implementation of this measure will also depend on budgetary possibilities and on the progress of reforms in the months ahead.

KAMY “Actor, we no longer want to play a role and that sort of speech.” [?]

Pd humor In another world the cow is let out and the government announces the matching increase of prices and wages at the same time. After all these years of changes, the Albanian citizen continues to calculate his life between the dollar exchange rate, inflation, and announcements of income increases. The irony is that most economic news is now read with a strong dose of bitter humor.

As for the political position of Albanians today, it is clearly not defined so much by the solution to the economic and social model as by a democratic dominance? It seems that since the beginning of the first movement, many very difficult issues have remained to be solved. Albania has entered a new era, but many problems inherited from the past continue to weigh heavily on the country’s political, economic and moral life. In this framework, the question “what did democracy give us?” is raised not only as a reflection on achievements, but also as a concern over failures, disappointments and unfulfilled expectations. In the public debates of the time, it can be seen that citizens support pluralism and political freedoms, but still do not have a full clarity about the economic and social model that should be built. This uncertainty has led to wavering positions, strong polarization and a kind of salvational expectation from politics. Instead of a broader social agreement on the direction of reforms, day-to-day conflicts, partisan rhetoric and personal divisions often prevail. Nevertheless, democracy has brought real opportunities for free speech, an independent press, voting and political competition. These are achievements that cannot be denied. But they remain insufficient if they are not accompanied by strong institutions, the rule of law, an honest administration and a functioning economy. Otherwise, public disappointment risks undoing trust in democratic change itself. (continued on page 6)

PASH will leave Hoxha is not a work race for Noré unity On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Bujan Confe- rence

MULLE BUFAVAJ [?] MULLE BUFAVAJ THE REFLECTION OF THE MULE