A PROMISING TURNING POINT FOR SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE It is no longer a secret that the many complaints caused in a number of cities and centers of the country by certain unpleasant manifestations in trade and municipal services are rightly troubling public opinion. At a working meeting held yesterday by the country's prime minister with the leaders of the economic ministries and the central bodies responsible for trade, services and local government, a strong call was made for an immediate improving turn in all services to the people. At this meeting it was emphasized that the situation created cannot be justified by the general difficulties. Cases in which negligence, lack of control, organizational incompetence and indifference become an obstacle to solving people's everyday problems are unforgivable. From the trade of consumer goods, to bread, milk, vegetables and industrial goods; from urban and intercity transport, to drinking water, cleaning, road maintenance and municipal services — everywhere the promised turning point must be felt. It was requested that all levels act with a clear work plan, with set deadlines and responsibilities. It is not enough merely to note the situation; swift and tangible measures are needed. Local government bodies, trade directorates and service enterprises must go into the field every day, listen to citizens' concerns and provide solutions on the spot, avoiding bureaucracy and delays. The meeting also underlined the need for thrift, preserving order and strengthening control over any misuse. Service workers have the duty to behave with culture, correctness and a sense of responsibility toward citizens. Wherever violations, abuses or arbitrary conduct are observed, immediate measures must be taken. The people expect not words, but a visible change in everyday life. Therefore, the improving turn in services to the people must begin without losing time and must reach every neighborhood, every village and every family.

Facing hardship — a matter for everyone INTERVIEW OF THE DAY With concrete measures, with discipline and strong control — Yesterday, at the apparatus of the Council of Ministers, a meeting was held with leaders of central institutions concerning supply problems. What assessments were made? — The difficulties are well known, but they are not overcome with words. Everywhere, accountability, order, thrift and responsibility are required. In the daily market, in distribution, transport and storage, there are still shortcomings that must be firmly tackled. — What are the main directions of work? — To make better use of the country’s resources, to leave nothing unharvested, to avoid losses and waste, and to increase the control of state bodies and mass organizations. Discipline in work and in implementation is a fundamental condition. — What is expected from every collective and every family? — To preserve calm, avoid unnecessary demands, maintain a frugal attitude, and support the measures being taken to normalize the situation. Only with the conscious participation of everyone will we overcome this situation. — Thank you.

Discussing an important and current issue. (Photo: N. Xhuxha) Discussing an important and current issue. (Photo: N. Xhuxha)

Reportage There were not even a few older acquaintances. Nobody asked us to stay up through the night and to supervise… [?] (text very illegible in the provided image) (Continued on page 3)

In the activities carried out with the young people of the city, youth organizations and cultural institutions have found varied forms to combine education with relaxation. Talks, meetings and artistic activities have been held, in which young people have taken part widely. It was emphasized that in the summer season, work with young people should be more mobile and more appealing, offering them concrete opportunities for healthy entertainment, sport, reading and voluntary initiatives with social benefit. The organizers stressed that formalism must be avoided and that every activity must have a clear educational content.

— Investigation — Three days ago there was a long interruption in the drinking water supply in our city. Citizens rightly raised the question of why such delays occurred and what measures were taken to restore the supply quickly. The checks carried out showed that the main cause was linked to faults in a section of the network and to a lack of coordination among the responsible services. It was also found that informing the population was insufficient. Specialists stated that improvement requires not only investment, but also regular maintenance, stricter technical control and a faster response to breakdowns. Citizens rightly demand that drinking water be supplied without interruption. Correspondent of the people’s newspaper. People’s newspaper. VANGJEL STEPA Correspondent of the people’s newspaper. JORGJ ZHONGA

With concrete measures, with discipline and strong control