Celebrations across Albania over the collapse of Prime Minister Krisma, gunshots, fireworks, beer, sweets and relief over Nano’s resignation The socialists’ choice does not resolve the political crisis, the General Steering Committee of the PS votes for the presidency’s option Majko, Nano’s prime minister Celebrations across Albania over the collapse of Prime Minister Krisma, gunshots, fireworks, beer, sweets and relief over Nano’s resignation Berisha does not keep the same speech those to topple political parties Nano’s departure brought dialogue back Opposition politicians react after Nano’s forced resignation: A much too late departure, they should have left on time They are not sure about dialogue We will not get rid of this country it will show that a senior official of the Albanian state will believe in such a scenario. That was the important question posed yesterday to the entire Albanian public. De- mocracy and the constitutional order are seriously entering a crisis and such compromises could not be allowed. At the 6:00 p.m. meeting, at the PD headquarters, the opposition leader Sali Berisha gave the sensational news, but as always with many comments. It was announced that the PS presidency had decided on the name of Pandeli Majko as prime minister. A person with a low political profile, a person without charisma and without electoral weight, was chosen to lead the country’s government. But everyone understood that he was nothing other than Nano’s prime minister. From that moment the great popular irony also began. In many cities of the country, jokes about "Nano’s prime minister" circulated quickly, about the man who would sign, but not rule. On the other hand, Fatos Nano’s resignation was greeted with noticeable relief in many parts of the country. People spoke about the departure of a figure they considered the cause of the crisis, violence and confrontation. In the streets gunshots were heard, there were fireworks, beer and sweets. It was a spontaneous celebration that expressed more a sense of release than political joy. Many commented on it as a forewarned end, while others wondered whether this would truly bring political dialogue or merely a change of names. In the opposition’s first reactions, the emphasis was placed on the need for elections, a technical government and a return to dialogue. Nano’s resignation was called late, but necessary. However, doubt remained: can there be dialogue with a prime minister who was seen as the complete continuation of his predecessor? Majko’s column By Astrit PATOZI Under the socialist guise, Fatos Nano had, not just twice but several times, made it clear that Pandeli Majko was one of the most favored figures in the Party. Majko was young, calm, with a public profile free of major scandals and suitable for lowering the temperature of conflict. But that was not enough to make him credible as a man of change. For the opposition he remained simply Nano’s man. Nano’s departure, the first step toward reconciliation from the crisis Nano does not wash away his crimes with resignation He must answer for his responsibility in Hajdari’s murder, his bloody rule, the infiltration of the mafia into the state and the other kidnappings Conversation with Fatos Klosi Nano, Fino, Islami aim to revive the economy The financial privatization scheme is uncovered for the transfer of the assets of the country’s large economic enterprises ON PAGE 7

By Astrit PATOZI The advantage the socialists have over Pandeli Majko is that he came from the rescue club and not from the quotas of civil society. If the majority of the members of the KPD of the Socialist Party, Pandeli Majko, had the luck of the newcomer, then that luck must be interpreted correctly as a random product. Fatos Nano knew the young man from the student whirlwinds of the early 1990s. Apparently he had set his sights on him early and, not only because of his appearance, but also because of his growing talent, had reserved a special place for him in the political theater. After a few enough years, Pandeli Majko would appear in public as the new face of a socialist generation. He was never a fiery tribune or a great orator, but precisely that calmness, exploitable by others, seems to have been his strongest weapon. In socialist circles it was often said that Majko had the profile of a man who could speak little and adapt a lot. This gave him an advantage at a moment when the PS sought to lower public tension. Thus, when the time came to replace Nano, the choice of Pandeli Majko seemed like a compromise designed to preserve the old axis of power. He was presented as something new, but in truth as continuity. In this sense, the suit and tie won: the image, the form, the soft communication. The content lost. Those who expected a strong break with the past were disappointed. Those who expected a real gesture of reconciliation had to settle for a change of style. If the country needs less crisis and more state, it remains to be seen whether that can come from a figure who emerged from the same political scheme. ON PAGE 4

Bode: A new PS government will not be able to resolve it Bode: A new PS government will not be able to resolve it ON PAGE 3

Today, what marked the conclave of Tatos Nano! Today, on September 30, at 5:30 p.m. all of Tirana in Skanderbeg Square! The final hour has arrived! The square’s hour is the hour of victory! Today Albania needs us! Everyone to Skanderbeg Square! ON PAGE 3

He must answer for his responsibility in Hajdari’s murder, his bloody rule, the infiltration of the mafia into the state and the other kidnappings Conversation with Fatos Klosi

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The financial privatization scheme for the transfer of the assets of the country’s large economic enterprises is uncovered Nano, Fino, Islami aim to revive the economy The financial privatization scheme is uncovered for the transfer of the assets of the country’s large economic enterprises ON PAGE 7