SLAP IN THE FACE FOR BERISHA Philip Reeker supports the ambassador’s stance against the release of the guards THE US DEFENDS ARVIZU: SHOCKED BY 21 JANUARY The Democratic Party attacked the American diplomat in Tirana; the deputy assistant secretary: The ambassador speaks on behalf of Obama. Concerned about the elections. Enough with nationalist rhetoric in the Balkans ► Page 4

TODAY’S CONVENTION ► Pages 2-3 FOR AN ALBANIAN RENAISSANCE PS program unveiled: How will we govern after 23 June Public points of the electoral rally: Program, allies and votes

Comment BY Adri Nurellari Economic structure and politics The close relationship between politics and the economy is undoubtedly one of the key elements in analyzing political developments in a country, and political economy has become one of the most important sub-disciplines within the so-called political sciences. This interdisciplinary relationship between economics and politics has led over time to the creation of a wide variety of approaches, methodologies, and theories to study their interaction. One of the most recent developments is the embrace of public choice, which explains politics without romanticism by applying economic methods to the analysis of political developments. Among the earliest forms of this kind of analysis was Marx’s historical materialism approach. Simply put, it involves analyzing political developments throughout history by taking into account the means by which people collectively produce the necessary products of their lives. This theory is complex and difficult... ► continues on page 20

Hekuran Isai, Alisë: How weddings are done in Tirana ► Pages 18-19

Crosswords from the latest by Kadri Vokopola Page 23

21 January, the ministry colonel informed the Americans ► Page 7 21 January, the ministry colonel informed the Americans

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Prime Minister Berisha washes his hands of the loan sharks, sends them to court ► Page 8 Prime Minister Berisha washes his hands of the loan sharks, sends them to court

The budget for the elections, how 7.2 billion lek will be allocated ► Page 7 The budget for the elections, how 7.2 billion lek will be allocated

BERLINALE AND SCRAP ► Page 20 BERLINALE AND SCRAP BY Rovena Rrozhani

Kristaq Skrami: I don’t reveal the actors’ salaries ► Page 21 Kristaq Skrami: I don’t reveal the actors’ salaries