Democrats commemorate the founding of the PD and stage the first anti-communist demonstration in Shkodër “New elections in spring,” reform of the PD program. A more acceptable solution for owners. Shkodër, the fortress unshaken by communism” Shkodër gives signals of victory Shkodër has consistently been the first in the unity and protest of democracy. In the commemoration of the 8th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Party, the largest commemorative event ever organized in this city took place yesterday. Since yesterday morning, large crowds of democrats gathered in front of the PD headquarters in the city center. At their head stood Sali Berisha, who had come to Shkodër to take part in this rally. With banners, national flags, and slogans against the government, the participants marched through the city’s main streets, turning the ceremony into an open political demonstration. In his speech, Berisha said that Shkodër was the city that had paid the highest price for resistance to communism and that today it was once again giving the first sign of democratic resurgence. He declared that the Democratic Party would demand new elections in spring and would reform its political program to respond better to the demands of Albanian society. According to him, the issue of property owners must receive a more acceptable and fair solution, ending the current delays. Berisha accused the government of economic failure, insecurity, and political control of institutions. He said the opposition would continue confronting power through peaceful protests and civic organization. The speech was received with applause and cheers from those present, who held slogans in support of the PD and against the return of the left. The rally was followed by a march through the main streets of Shkodër. Participants sang the national anthem and shouted political slogans. Many of the banners read “Down with communism,” “Freedom-Democracy,” and “Shkodër wins.” The atmosphere in the city was marked by a large civic presence, but also by increased security measures. The government committee of return was planted Confirmed continues ON PAGE 3 The bank raises the level with the bank of loss Today 4 business [sic], investment entries; triq [?] wait Shkodër the separators will mention the depositors were paid shifri [?] ON PAGE 4

“Top secret” meeting! Gjinushi with the chairman of the Commission for the Verification of Figures, Nafiz Bezhani. The constitutional court must be signed No. files of all [?]. During the last few days at SHIK’s central headquarters, the files of part of the deputies have been processed. These files were sent a few days ago to the Commission for the Verification of Figures, while yesterday morning the chairman of this commission, Nafiz Bezhani, was seen entering the SHIK premises. Journalistic sources do not disclose the duration of this meeting, but according to them, after the departure of the head of the Commission, the files prepared in the SHIK offices were handed over to him so that he could verify and sign the final wording. These files are connected to the figures who will run for President of the Republic. The sources say there were discrepancies in names and documents, which made a meeting between Bezhani and SHIK leaders necessary. ON PAGE 3

Shkodër has consistently been the first in the unity and protest of democracy. In its district there has also taken place the largest commemorative event ever organized for the founding of the Democratic Party and of pluralism. The event site is closely linked to the city’s anti-communist history and to its role as a symbol of resistance. In this context, yesterday’s rally was not only a commemorative activity, but also a demonstration of opposition strength and civic energy. The high participation of citizens, the presence of PD figures, as well as the banners with political messages created the impression of a city in motion. The organizers presented Shkodër as the locomotive of the opposition and as an example for the rest of the country. References to the historical sacrifices of this city, to the victims of the dictatorship, and to the role of Shkodër’s intellectuals were used to strengthen the message that resistance to the return of communism remains current. ON PAGE 3

Sale of old land, same place for five old files Yesterday the government decision to merge the two loss-making banks was made public, a measure that according to the authorities aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The decision has been met with concern by employees and clients of both institutions, who fear for the fate of deposits and jobs. Early reports say the process will be accompanied by branch restructuring and staff reductions. Financial experts warn that merging two troubled banks does not by itself guarantee stability. They stress that the main causes of the crisis are lack of capitalization, bad loans, and poor management. If deep reforms are not carried out, they say, the situation may worsen and burden depositors. ON PAGE 4

The government committee on revaluations met At a meeting held yesterday, the government committee reviewed the progress of several economic and institutional decisions. Official sources said the discussions focused on implementing previous measures, as well as on the need to better coordinate actions among ministries. It was said that some issues remain open and that work will continue in the coming days. ON PAGE 4

Visa trafficking in people moving through the state in the region The investigations by the Italian authorities have focused on the activity of a diplomatic mission, where abuses of visa procedures are suspected. According to sources, the prosecutor’s office is checking whether some documents were issued in violation of the law and in exchange for illegal benefits. The case has sparked numerous reactions because of the scale of the phenomenon and its connection to human trafficking. ON PAGE 4

The case against the “Gurmasi” fraud is nearing its end At the final stage of the trial, the prosecution requested the maximum sentence for the defendants accused of fraud. According to the prosecution, the evidence presented during the hearings proves the defendants’ criminal responsibility. The defense challenged this assessment and requested acquittal or reclassification of the offense. The court’s decision is expected soon. ON PAGE 4

The prosecutor says the final plea. Another hearing is expected for the verdict Another criminal case has entered the decision phase, where the prosecution requested 16 years in prison for the defendant Mazreku. According to the indictment, the defendant bears responsibility for a serious crime, while the defense contests the legal characterization and the severity of the sentence. The court is expected to announce its verdict at the next hearing. ON PAGE 4

The prime minister’s bodyguard admits: Skifiteri did not think of sending him to the hospital, because we answer to and what and suffering with the retudhisian and they cannot even mention it [?] ON PAGE 3