In the PPSH, an unusual electoral campaign is under way and coming to an end, the most important in its history. These elections give the entire membership of the Party the opportunity to decide on its further direction, on the people who will represent it, and on the way the challenges of the time will be faced. Since these elections are taking place during a difficult period in the country’s political, economic and social life, they acquire even greater importance. They differ from previous elections because of the pluralism of opinions, the more open debate, and the aim of electing people with authority and real backing at the grassroots. This campaign has also brought to light inherited problems, but at the same time it has shown that within the Party there is a will for change, renewal and a new relationship with the masses. Its members are feeling their responsibility more strongly and are demanding that their voice be heard. In many basic organizations, free discussions, alternative proposals and demands for accountability have been observed. This is a good sign. It shows that the Party is trying to adapt to the new conditions and create a more democratic spirit in its internal life. Of course, not everything is moving forward without difficulty; there are hesitations, misunderstandings, and also remnants of the old way of thinking. But the very fact that these issues are being discussed openly is of special importance. In the end, the value of these elections will be measured by the trust they will restore in the membership and in public opinion. The Party of Labour will have to prove by deeds that it is capable of reforming itself, listening and serving. Only in this way will the new elections have full meaning and mark a step forward. (continued on page 2)

AN APPEAL TO MY FELLOW DEPUTIES Of course, every deputy is valued and respected as the spokesman and representative of the electorate, in both the narrowest and broadest sense. And one duty of a deputy is to express and defend the people’s opinion, not impose his own on them; to listen and serve, not to command and order. He has the duty to know in detail and to be able to solve with wisdom and culture the most delicate, most difficult and most important social problem of our time and our society. Do we, respected fellow deputies, possess all these qualities and requirements? Are we always, to the very end, equal to the height of our mission? Do we have the political and moral authority to convince our voters that by the stance we take we are defending their interests with dignity? Do we have the voters’ trust? Have we earned that trust, do our voters still keep it for us, when life itself is giving us enough evidence and proof that in many cases we have shown ourselves, more than at the proper height, to be below it? All these, and other questions, make me think that the current situation allows no spectator’s attitude on our part. We must speak, judge, decide and act. We are obliged to do this not only because the country demands it, but also because our civic and political conscience demands it. We cannot remain silent and wait, when the people are suffering, when the country is wavering, when everyday life is becoming harder and more burdensome for the overwhelming majority of our people. Under these conditions, I believe that we deputies must be closer to the people, more sincere with them, more responsible before them and more resolute in defending their interests. This requires courage, political clarity, a sense of measure and, above all, honesty. The people expect from us not beautiful words, but solutions; not empty promises, but concrete deeds; not narrow calculations, but national responsibility. (the rest of the text is unreadable in the image)[?]

The new women cooks (Photo: N. Xhafa)

We wake up, and usually set out with the same concern and the same question: will there be milk, bread, eggs, medicine? In this burdened everyday life, the white coat of the doctor and the nurse remains a sign of security and hope. People turn to it with trust, but also with anxiety, because the difficulties of the healthcare system are evident. Nevertheless, work continues in hospitals, clinics and polyclinics. Doctors and nurses face shortages, fatigue and a flood of patients, but try not to abandon their duty. This makes their figure even more valuable in the eyes of public opinion. To be able to reach the child with file [?/unreadable word]

At the root of the trade sector’s failure lies the entire process of supply and distribution. Often, shortages on store shelves are attributed only to the sellers, but the problem begins earlier: in production, transportation, storage and administration. Trade is the visible link in a much longer chain. If one link in this chain weakens, the consequences are immediately felt by the citizen. He sees the shortage at the counter, but not always its cause. That is why the analysis of trade’s “debt” must be carried out more broadly, looking at the entire economic mechanism. If one is content with criticism of retail sales, one risks hiding the real sources of the disorder. (continued on page 2)

That is how it was planned and that is how price reductions or easing of prices in some consumer goods were spoken of. But today the question is posed differently: will it really be like this? The daily life of citizens has been faced with steadily rising expenses, shortages in the market and uncertainty. In these conditions, every announcement about prices is awaited with special interest. The problem is not only the figure 250 minus 75, but its real meaning in the pocket of the ordinary person. If wages remain the same and goods become ever scarcer, even a announced reduction may not bring real relief. That is why today’s question is not only mathematical, but social. Citizens want clarity: which goods will be affected, how long will this measure last, will there be supplies and how will abuses be prevented. Without these answers, every formula remains only an expression on paper. (continued on page 2)

Sociologists make problems when they present them directly; the ordinary person feels them in his or her own daily life. There is work that is visible and work that is not visible, but without it life does not go on. We often value only what is before our eyes and forget the silent effort that lies behind many services and results. This applies to many professions and to many people who carry an invisible burden on their shoulders. They do not ask for praise, but for working conditions and respect. MORE? (continued on page 2)[?]