This is how the PD, PS and LSI spent millions on the consulting of Washington officials Lobbying with the American government since 2006. Steep bills paid with budget money The news The Albanian government has paid hundreds of thousands of US dollars for support from the American government in 2009, and continues to do so now, allocating large sums from the state budget to lobbying companies in the US. From the company “BKSH & Associates” in 2009 to “Podesta” in 2012, the government that borrows to pay public administration salaries gives hefty funds to buy Washington’s support. TIRANA ARBEN RROZHANI The Government of the Republic of Albania has dearly bought, with the money of Albanian taxpayers, the support and backing of the American government, in the face of countless scandals ranging from corruption, electoral fraud and the distortion of democratic standards in the country. Since Prime Minister Sali berisha came to power in September 2005, dictated by the Clinton administration in 1995-1997, the government and the PD have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in budget funds to lobby with the American administration, paying lobbying companies that recruit congressmen, administration officials and, in the end, the American government itself, so that it would look favorably upon the Albanian government. The amounts up to 500 thousand US dollars that the Berisha government gave starting in 2006 to the former secretary for... continues on page 2

Surprise appointment Page 9 In the photo: Denion Meidani with singer Fjolla Morina Meidani’s son, director of SHKB From the left under the orders of PD In the photo: Denion Meidani with singer Fjolla Morina

Editorial By Afrim Krasniqi The crisis of trust and democracy Democracy is not a procedure, it is something more than that. Laws are important, they are the white line in democracy, but for a healthy democracy more is required; functional institutions, participation, public support, transparency and inspiration in civic values and principles. In the global economic crisis it is expected that democracies themselves will face anger or growing public disappointment. The challenge for democracies remains the ability to reflect on mistakes, to correct them and to revive hope. Changes in legitimate governance in Greece and Italy through dialogue and political agreement are indicators of how democracy works in these countries and how a rational solution comes from institutions, from politicians with integrity and a sense of measure. The domino effect of the revolutions brought radical changes in North Africa, creating hopes also in the countries of the Persian Gulf Efforts to restore trust in democracy, to make it functional and inspiring, led to democratic changes of governments also in Spain or Croatia, in Bosnia, or Belgium. The domino effect of the revolutions brought radical changes in North Africa, creating hopes also in the countries of the Persian Gulf. A country like France brought former president Jacques Chirac before the court and convicted him, in Israel former President Moshe Katsav was convicted, in Croatia former prime minister Ivo Sanader, etc. The list of Western politicians tried and convicted during 2011 reaches 123, including top state leaders, ministers, congressmen, senators, high judges and other top political figures. In Germany, a crisis and a financial scandal linked to the president. Everywhere, the majority of the... continues on page 4

In 2014 analog televisions are switched off. KKRT: Decoders funded by the state PROJECT GENC KONDI Today the round table is being organized, in cooperation with OSCE, to discuss the draft strategy for the transition of radio and television broadcasts from analog to digital (numerical). The deadline for completing the process is 2015, as the final year for the shutdown of all analog broadcasts... continues on page 7

Page 4 The presidential candidacy, Blendi Klosi: Not from Berisha’s clan Page 5 The new prime minister, Albert Brojka: The PD no longer wins elections

Page 10 The municipality removed the workers, waste takes over the Sharrë cemetery Page 13 Nasho Jorgaqi: How we placed Noli’s bust in Ibrik Tepe

BLOG/Periphery By Alba Malltezi How luxurious the restaurants in Tirana are, but... Page 7

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