The demands and necessity of the times
The task set by the 10th Plenum of the Party to give further impetus to the democratization process in the country’s life, to strengthen the popular character of socialist self-government and to increase its role toward the more consistent implementation of laws, has found a place not only in the discussions of Party basic organizations and workers’ collectives, but also in the family and everyday conversations of people in administration and management, specialists and school youth. In these discussions and conversations, our socialist democracy reveals itself, along with its strength and vitality. If until yesterday the strengthening of socialist democracy and broader participation of people in governance was viewed mainly as a task of mass organizations and collectives, now it is increasingly understood that it is a necessity of the governance of the country and of its socialist development. The many demands for increasing the role of mass organizations and collectives, state authorities and judicial bodies, workers’ and citizens’ oversight in dealing with negative phenomena and bureaucratic distortions, as well as for legally guaranteeing civic rights, make this process more tangible. The 10th Plenum of the Party gave this process a powerful boost. The measures decided upon for improving the work system, for a greater opening to free thought, for expanding transparency and criticism, for fighting privileges and careerism, for not allowing any violation of socialist norms and legality, are demands of the time itself. Further democratic development is not an imported fashion, but an internal need of our socialism and our society. It is closely linked with strengthening order, conscious discipline, increasing responsibility and improving the political and moral climate. Democratization requires not only more rights, but also more civic responsibility. It does not move forward through spontaneity, but through the organized commitment of the Party, the state and all workers. For precisely this reason, the conviction deepens that the steps taken will bear fruit in renewing our social and political life.
Legislation in the personality of our people
The improvement of legislation and of the practice of its implementation is an important part of democratization. Socialist self-government requires that legal rules not remain alien to the citizen, but become part of their political and moral culture. The law must be understandable, fair and equally enforceable for everyone. This means fighting arbitrariness, formalism and bureaucratism, as well as strengthening social oversight over violations. In the new environment of debate, criticism and transparency, the citizen gains more opportunities to defend their rights, but is also obliged to take an active stance toward the responsibilities they have before the collective and society.
Everything measured and thought out
The scale of the necessary changes calls for prudence, foresight and organization. Every measure must be carefully weighed so that it brings the expected results and does not create undesirable consequences. This is especially important when it comes to the mechanisms of self-government, relations between different bodies, and legal adjustments that affect citizens’ daily lives. Hasty solutions, taken without study and without broad consultation, do not serve either democracy or socialism. Therefore, thoughtful work is required, with clear steps, with responsibility and with accountability before the people.
(Photo: N. Xhuxha)
Active diplomacy with initiative
In the field of foreign policy, a more active activity is required, with initiative and the ability to follow new developments. Our representatives must be more present, more persuasive and more creative in defending the country’s interests. Diplomacy is not just a matter of formalities, but requires deep knowledge of processes, political culture and the ability to build bridges of communication. Only with such work can the challenges of a changing international environment be met. (Continued on page 2)
They do not owe society an account for votes, but for development
Is there a wind? Are they these? In this direction there is much talk and writing, but above all the work is being addressed, and rightly so. The administration needs improvement, discipline and simplified procedures. Votes and civic participation are linked to the trust created by the concrete work of institutions and leaders. Every worker, every leader must account to the collective and to society not with general words, but with results. Only in this way does the authority of the institutions grow and civic responsibility is strengthened. By improving management methods and bringing decision-making closer to the people, conditions are created so that development does not remain merely a slogan, but becomes daily experience. (Continued on page 2)
The word and the heart toward the future
Impressions
The times call for sincerity, trust and a view toward the future. Words have weight only when accompanied by work and personal example. People expect concrete solutions, a more open climate and greater sensitivity to their troubles. Therefore one must speak clearly, without embellishment, in the language of truth and with the heart toward the future. Only in this way is the bond with the people strengthened and the effort to renew our social life gains meaning. (Continued on page 2)
RAMIZ ALIA
The struggle of our people and our Party has aimed and continues to aim at building a free and just society, where there are no exploiters or exploited, where each person is valued and rewarded according to the work they do and the role they play in the progress of society, where people’s material and spiritual life grows richer from day to day.
Translations
English and Italian renderings requested by user
ENGLISH: People's voice and needs; Legislation in the personality of our person; Everything measured and thought out; Active diplomacy with initiative; Word and heart toward the future. ITALIANO: The demands and needs of the times; Legislation in the personality of our man; Everything measured and carefully considered; Active diplomacy with initiative; The word and the heart toward the future.
