THE SOCIALIST PARTY IS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT ITS VICTORY These days the political constellation of the Socialist Party has been filled with statements and announcements about the many activities taking place throughout the country. Its activists, members and supporters are meeting with voters, explaining their program and their alternative, answering numerous questions, taking part in rallies and discussions, writing and speaking about the changes that Socialist victory will bring. In various districts of the country, broad meetings with the people have been held. From Berat to Shkodër, from Tirana to Vlorë and Gjirokastër, there is a great political awakening. This shows that the Socialist Party is entering the campaign with confidence and in a broad climate of understanding with citizens. At the same time, on the part of its opponents, hasty moves, unclear statements and attempts to create confusion can be observed. But the Socialists are determined to move calmly, with arguments, with political culture and with responsibility toward the country. The PSH program, publicly announced, has aroused great interest among the broad masses. It aims at stabilizing economic life, preserving order, guaranteeing democratic freedoms and solving urgent social problems. In this framework, its candidates are finding clear support. The election campaign must be civilized. The Albanian people expect political forces to be measured by programs and values, not by slander and pressure. The Socialist Party says it will respect this standard to the end. In many areas, successful meetings are being reported, where citizens have openly expressed the conviction that the March 22 vote must mark the turning point toward a more sober and more humane administration of the country. The enthusiasm for victory is not merely a desire, but a feeling nourished by direct contact with the people. The Socialists see this as a sign that the country wants peace, work and responsible leadership.

The Albanian people are on the threshold of a great decision, and everyone must see clearly where the danger comes from and where hope comes from. There are those who want to present the Socialist Party as a tired, finished force, incapable of leading the country. But the reality we are seeing in meetings with people, in the streets and in institutions, speaks otherwise. In cities and villages, the hand of those who have an interest in frightening the people, creating panic, provoking shortages and disturbing the market is becoming visible. This hand is not invisible. It is felt in words, in actions and in an entire sick political spirit that seeks not to bring down the opponent, but the citizen’s hope itself. The Socialists have chosen another path: calm, moderation and communication with the people. They call on voters not to fall prey to provocations and to vote with a clear mind. Albania does not need hysteria, but work and stability. (To be continued on p. 4)

Lately, in many public discussions, terms and promises have been taking their place as if they had fallen from the sky. But the people remember very well who brought the country to this point, who tried hasty recipes, who filled the market with insecurity and who today promises miracles. We do not intend to deny the mistakes of the past, but neither are we prepared to accept that responsibilities be wiped away with a stroke of the pen. There are people who speak today as saviors, while yesterday they were instigators of division. There are others who seek to have the facts, the documents and the bitter experience of recent months forgotten. Albanians want to move forward, but not by closing their eyes to the truth. That is why political memory is essential. It helps citizens distinguish sincere promise from deception, seriousness from adventure. (To be continued on p. 4)

The strong demand for change is also being expressed in the meetings that the Socialist Party is holding in Shkodër. In conversations with citizens, many issues have been raised that are related to everyday life, employment, supply in the market, schools and public order. Various speakers emphasized that the country cannot move forward with empty slogans. It is time for responsibility and for institutions that function. The PS candidates presented the main points of their program and were received with interest. At the end of the meeting, a call was made for mass participation in the elections and for the preservation of calm in the days of the campaign. (To be continued on p. 4)

They greet the Republic of Albania Council of Ministers Ministry of Education TIRANA The pedagogue of the Republic of Albania TIMAN[E?] To the Council of Ministers To the Minister of Education of Albania The demand of our protest is linked to teachers, pensioners and the serious state of education. We are forced to raise our voice in the face of a policy that is seriously damaging Albanian schools. We demand urgent measures to improve working conditions, to secure textbooks and to ensure fairer treatment for education staff. If these concerns receive no response, our protest will continue. Teachers of Albania

The Vlora government of the political parties The request for clarification was made after the latest statements that have caused controversy in public opinion. According to reactions received by the editorial office, there is a need for public positions to be accompanied by arguments and responsibility. The response text emphasizes that the political climate gains nothing from misunderstandings or from hasty accusations. On the contrary, clear explanations are needed for issues that directly affect the public interest. Editorial staff

Pano Iveliotes A decision of particular importance for social democracy and for European integration processes was widely commented on these days in the Scandinavian press. According to reports, the euro-socialists of the Nordic countries have expressed their reservations about the latest political and economic developments in the region. The published analyses point out that a rapid transition, unsupported by stable institutions, can produce serious social consequences. For this reason, more responsibility, more transparency and a real commitment to protecting the weaker strata are called for. The comments in the Scandinavian press also pay attention to Albania, emphasizing that without political calm and without a more rational administration, the country risks sinking into new crises. For the euro-socialists, democracy cannot be reduced to electoral rhetoric. It requires functioning institutions and a culture of compromise. (To be continued on p. 8)

Albanian defense The PD invited the government to a press conference where it announced new developments in relations with abroad. According to the statements, new opportunities have been opened for easing the financial burden and for resuming some important economic contacts. In the first analyses by specialists, it is noted that the country needs a more careful debt policy, transparency and sensible use of aid. Every hasty step could have long-term consequences. Albania is in a delicate period, where financial decisions are closely tied to political stability. For this reason, responsibility is required from all political forces. The event was also seen with particular interest by economic circles. (To be continued on the next page)

Yesterday started off differently! A few days ago, PDSH had issued a statement saying that PS would work under the table so that the "red team" in government would sabotage the March 22 elections. And yet yesterday this same PDSH seems to have expressed astonishment and invited us Socialists to such cooperation. March 22 is indeed a historic day. The world, Albania, are calling for clashes between political forces to take place normally, on the basis of fair competition. We are glad that PDSH is also taking this position, but only yesterday? We understand that PD feels strongly the weight of its own failures, but democratic elections are not made with double statements. Let the one who wins the free vote of Albanians prevail, not the one who invents alarms and then plays the innocent.