Last night he fainted while celebrating the Democratic Party. On Sunday in hospital for leg tests Yesterday morning he was at the clinic for physical exercises. During the speech, he was drinking water the whole time The News Prime Minister Sali Berisha last night at 6:46 p.m. interrupted his speech at the 21st anniversary of the Democratic Party after feeling unwell. Two days earlier (on Sunday) he had been a patient at the American hospital. Sources from that hospital tell Shqiptarja.com that the head of the executive underwent a leg examination, while yesterday morning, before the event, he was at the same hospital to do physical exercises recommended by doctors. In the photo: The moment when Sali Berisha is held by the arms by his bodyguards (left). The joined tables where Berisha was laid down and that served as a bed ■■■ TIRANE ANTUEN HOXHA Prime Minister Sali Berisha appeared two days ago, on Sunday, at the American hospital. Sources from the medical staff of this hospital admit to the newspaper shqiptarja.com that the head of government underwent detailed examinations for a problem he had in his leg. The doctors even decided on Sunday to take some cells from Doctor Berisha for analysis. As the doctors report, after these initial tests, the head of government left to rest. But he returned to this hospital yesterday. The same medical sources say for “shqiptarja.com” that Prime Minister Berisha underwent further medical checks during the morning. Thus, he also did physical exercises for the heart or blood pressure, while biopsy tests are also expected. All these checks were done by the head of government during the morning, while he was supposed to be in shape also during the afternoon, when he was to speak for the 21st anniversary of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, sources close to the prime minister say that after this, the prime minister had lunch at home, around 4:00 p.m. He did not have much time to rest, to... continues on page 2

Editorial BY AFRIM KRASNIQI The Ombudsman vs the Constitution The Socialist Party has begun hearings for the selection of the Ombudsman. The Democratic Party has promised that it will vote for any candidate put forward by the Socialist Party. Politically, both sides deserve praise. The Socialist Party because it is carrying out a transparent competitive procedure, the Democratic Party because it is showing willingness to offer a compromise with the opposition. Legally, both sides have placed political norms above constitutional norms, that is, they are acting contrary to the Constitution. The Ombudsman is a constitutional institution and the Constitution is initially excellent, especially since the post has been vacant for a year. The Constitution (Article 61) requires that the election be made by a three-fifths vote of the deputies, on the condition that the candidate is an Albanian citizen, has higher education, and has recognized knowledge and activity in the field of human rights and law. The Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, Article 111, states that “candidates for constitutional bodies ... must be submitted in writing by no fewer than 28 deputies.” The procedure remains the same: referral to the relevant committees, review of the criteria, proceeding to a competitive vote, and the winner is the one who receives the required votes. Candidates for constitutional bodies ... must be submitted in writing by no fewer than 28 deputies” This time the parties are acting differently: the Democratic Party is gifting away a constitutional body without having the right to do so, while the Socialist Party is holding a public competition without constitutional support for this action. In the end both parties sign off on one name and the “people” will get an Ombudsman. The parties will surely call it a great success, but with just as much certainty we all see that when the Democratic Party and the Socialist Party want something (it suits their interests) over and above their political interests, the Constitution, laws and rules have no value. This remains another critical message for the rule of law and democracy.

INTERVIEW The former president speaks about the debate within the Socialist Party over the program, employment and elections Meidani: Rama not necessarily prime minister ■■■ TIRANE Former president Rexhep Meidani, in an interview on the program “Fakt” with journalist Çlirim Peka, emphasized the fact that the Socialist Party and Rama will find it difficult, in this economic crisis situation and without a broad coalition, to come to power and for the socialist leader to become the country’s prime minister... continues on page 4

Page 12 Green Tax, a flood of complaints in Tirana over the payment of 5,000 lek Page 14

Page 9 Sea Pact, Berisha promises Samaras an agreement Page 6

Page 7 Budget, borrowing from abroad doubles as spending increases the deficit Page 8

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