- Letter from Comrade FATOS NANO to the Socialist Party organizations, on behalf of the Presidium of the Steering Committee of the ASP - Brothers and sisters, The results of the 22 March elections for deputies to the People’s Assembly are now known. The percentage won by the Socialist Party in these elections has understandably shaken us, especially because the extent of the loss was so significant and unexpected. We are now moving into a different situation, in opposition. The unexpected result has caused many party members and supporters to feel distressed; some have shown signs of defeat and despair. Recognizing and understanding the feelings, concerns and reflections of all our members and supporters about these results, the Steering Committee and the Presidium of the Socialist Party consider it appropriate to address everyone: This is neither the time nor the occasion to give in to pessimism and despair. With full awareness and of our own free will, we entered into and are contributing to the building and functioning of a pluralist society, as an advanced expression of contemporary democracy. And precisely because we act in such a society, victory and defeat for every political party are part of the logic of development. No party owns power and the governance of the country by right of inheritance, nor can it hold on to them indefinitely. The periodic alternation of parties in power is a law of pluralist society. We entered the 22 March elections with the desire and determination to win, but the people’s verdict has put us in opposition. The people’s decision cannot be overturned. Let us therefore accept this decision calmly and with dignity. Maintaining the party’s ranks and facing the process of moving into opposition with dignity are the best indicators of a political force’s ideological, organizational and moral strength. We are convinced that the Socialist Party possesses these qualities; we are convinced that it has the strength, ability and maturity to prove itself at any moment to be a force with broad support, highly organized and among the most serious in contributing with dignity to the country’s democratization processes. With 25.73 percent of the total votes cast, the Socialist Party ranks second in the new parliament, among the 11 parties that competed in the elections and the 5 parties that managed to enter parliament. The percentage won nationwide gives the Socialist Party the opportunity to send a group of 38 deputies to parliament, made up of the best figures, the most capable and devoted people, and members of the broad and rich body of activists and intellectuals within our party. Through its day-to-day activity and, in this case, through its distinguished parliamentary group, the Socialist Party will surely establish itself further as a major, constructive and vital force for the country’s fate and the normal development of democratic processes in Albania. By now, everyone understands and accepts that pluralism in Albania cannot have a future without the Socialist Party in parliament, without its parliamentary group, and without its dignified and constructive stance. We are a party of the democratic left. Our alternative is the closest, most acceptable and most representative of the interests and demands of people and of the other half of the country. Moreover, facing the process of moving into opposition with dignity is the best indicator in contributing with dignity to the country’s democratization processes. The Socialist Party’s performance in the 22 March elections will be the subject of reflection throughout every cell of the Party. In response to the justified concern of many members and supporters, believe that the time has come for profound, well-founded and immediate analyses throughout all party structures, from the basic organizations to the party presidiums at district and central levels. A general shake-up is essential: a radical improvement in work methods and style, communication with the masses, and ties with members and supporters, trade unions, young Eurosocialists, etc. At every moment, the Socialist Party must be close to, indeed an integral part of, those whose interests it represents and defends: workers, peasants, intellectuals, young people, veterans and the popular masses. Together, let us develop and define our program of work from the position of opposition. A clear, universal and inspiring message is conveyed by the fact that from January through early March 1992, more than 1,100 new members, mainly Eurosocialists, were admitted to the ASP, while in recent days, since 22 March, applications to join the Socialist Party have increased further. Let us value this reality highly and work actively and openly everywhere to bring people closer to the Socialist Party and its alternative; renew all basic organizations in towns and villages; and welcome without hesitation all those who have proved and continue to prove themselves active and devoted—ordinary people who are cultured, incorruptible and courageous. In particular

- From the speech by Dr. Servet Pëllumbi at the meeting of the ASP Steering Committee - Election results: 62.09 percent for the DP, 25.73 percent for the Socialist Party! New political positions. How our members and supporters are experiencing this event. It is understandable that the emotional aftermath of this event should also involve confusion, disappointment and dissatisfaction. This is connected not only with frustrated hopes, but also with fear and distrust of the unknown, of the future, and with the sense of insecurity brought by the change of system, government, etc. It is understandable that, first of all, the Socialist Party must meet this challenge emotionally, at the level of psychology, while at the same time thinking about deeper analyses and developing the strategy and tactics for its existence now as an opposition force. Nevertheless, some outlines of the causes that produced the result we now know can be presented and discussed at this meeting. I must say that, from conversations and contacts with other people and with members and supporters of the SP, everything focuses on the weaknesses of the Party as a whole or of its leadership at every level, on insufficient work during the campaign, etc. Without wishing to minimize the influence of this factor, which requires deeper analysis and the assignment of responsibility—something I think we should do soon—I would say that this is a somewhat narrow view. I think that we should view our Party’s new position, its move into opposition, first and foremost against the background of objective and subjective factors closely intertwined with one another. Among these factors I would mention: first, the year 1989, which affected every European and was followed by the second round of our elections and by the reports of our own and foreign journalists. In the first round of the 22 March elections, 1,826,142 voters took part, representing 90.35 percent of those registered on the electoral lists. The fall of the communist system and of the Eastern bloc, which opposed communism, also turned against every left-wing force. The right and neoliberalism reinforced this trend, launching an offensive to regain lost ground. It is no coincidence that right-wing parties (or their coalitions) came to power everywhere in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Apparently, Albania could not be an exception. I could not understand the victory of the DP, or the international support given to it by right-wing forces, outside such an international context. “I stressed this external factor first, not because I do not value internal factors, but because the latter cannot possibly be understood separately from the processes that took place and are taking place in Europe. In circumstances where the country’s isolation and self-isolation in policy have come to an end, the role of external factors is being reshaped, especially in the case of our small country, which seeks to integrate into Europe. Second, the deep crisis we are going through, mass unemployment, inflation, price liberalization, the paralysis of the economy—in short, the miserable condition of the people—means that the blame is placed both on what brought this about and on whoever is thought capable of lifting the country out of crisis and misery. The Socialist Party, as a party whose ranks included many former members of the PP, continued, under the “care” of the opposition’s propaganda as well, to be portrayed as the political force that must answer for the sins of the past. This was also the basis for the propaganda during the distortion of the will. The political alternative of the parties in power is the movement of pluralist society. We entered the March 22 elections with the will to win, but the people’s verdict placed us in opposition. This decision of the people cannot be judged. describing it both as a natural phenomenon of pluralist democracy and as a challenge facing us. Conscious of and seriously concerned with finding the causes and reasons that led us into opposition, today it is more necessary than ever to preserve the calm and sense of direction that are essential not only for members and supporters, but for the whole people. Preserving calm and direction as conditions of [unclear] and for ... The Socialist Party in parliament, without its parliamentary group, without its being a dignified and constructive leader, pluralism in Albania cannot have a future. is the closest, most acceptable, and most expressive of the interests and demands of ordinary people of work, production, and creation. For everything we failed to do well, and for the things that most of the electorate failed to understand or be convinced of today, surely they will understand and be convinced tomorrow. Therefore, I express the conviction that through our work, strength, and contribution we will bring about the same popular decision that placed us in opposition today placing us tomorrow in charge of the country’s life. Naturally, the result achieved by cannot have a future. be convinced tomorrow. Therefore, we the country’s life. Naturally, the result achieved by young people and supporters of the Socialist Party, young men and women, workers, peasants, intellectuals, students, etc., having abandoned the general, discriminatory, and ossifying schemes and criteria for membership in the party; those who left the former PPSH and were denigrated for having «blemishes in their biographies» should come closer and join us, those who

On Sunday, 22 March 1992, the first round of elections for deputies to the People’s Assembly was held throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania. 22 March 1992, Albania. The elections were held in accordance with the law “On the Elections to the People’s Assembly of the Republic of Albania,” No. 7556, dated 4.02.1992, in an orderly and peaceful manner, without incidents, and in line with the requirements of current European and international standards. The elections were held in the presence of observers from political forces in Albania, as well as a large number of observers from various international parties and organizations. 1. 79 deputies are from the DP. 2. 6 deputies are from the SP. 3. 2 deputies are from the PBDNJ. 4. 1 deputy is from the PR. 5. 1 deputy is from the PSD. And 90.35 percent of those registered on the electoral lists. On the basis of the official records received by the Central Election Commission from the constituency commissions, 89 deputies were elected in the first round, as follows: deputies are teachers, engineers, economists, scientific workers, agronomists, lawyers, journalists, etc. Under the law on elections to the People’s Assembly, the above results of the first round show that the forthcoming People’s Assembly will consist of 140 deputies. For the second round of elections, the composition of ... remains valid (To be continued on page 2)

The representative of the Press and Information Office attached to the President of the Republic announced that President of the Republic Ramiz Alia had held meetings with Mr. Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party; Mr. Fatos Nano, leader of the Socialist Party; Mr. Skënder Gjinushi, leader of the Social Democratic Party; and Messrs. Kastriot Islami and Aleksandër Meksi, respectively former Speaker and former Deputy Speaker of the People’s Assembly, to discuss preparations for the opening of the first session of the People’s Assembly of the 13th legislature.

This has been and remains the Socialist Party’s guiding principle since its creation and for the future. This is the conviction of its members and supporters, says Brikena Duraj, a student. In my opinion, the Socialist Party’s move into opposition will serve above all to renew and consolidate it. It must and will wage an honest political struggle for the further democratization of Albanian society during this phase of transition and beyond. The contribution made by the Socialist Party as a force of the European left will be evident. In this context it must be tolerant of any viewpoint or opinion that may be advanced by the right-wing forces in power and could be harmful to Albania. Opposition to the possibility of a new isolationism and a return to the mistakes of the past will be the main axis of the Socialist Party’s work and development. Work for the next election campaign must begin now. Lost time cannot be recovered when you need it. Zajmir Kullolli, medical assistant, With their votes and confidence, the voters entrusted this heavy burden to the Democratic Party. The latter greeted its victory with enthusiasm. But the opposition’s sweeping victory must not lead us to a new monism. Were we not the ones who suffered the consequences of the old monism? History and social development do not allow such parallels. I believe the Socialist Party has the means, through its alternative, to help avert extremes. It will play a significant role in maintaining balance within the country. Arif Doda, engineer. First of all, he believes that a radical purge is necessary of those people who joined the Socialist Party merely to boost its numbers. The Socialist Party must be a party of openness and sincerity. The Socialist Party’s grassroots organizations have performed quite well. The rural population should open its eyes and see what is happening. How can younger leaders be retained if they are unable to organize the distribution of the press? But this applies more to the village and not at all to the city. We must take the more positive ... (To be continued on page 3)

These days there has also been another pay rise: military personnel at every level have received a substantial salary increase from Wilson Ahmeti’s Government. Compared with the national average, they now seem like wealthy people who are bound to be envied. Doctors, teachers, engineers look at them with envy... And even more so those involved in science and creativity, who belong to what is called the creative intelligentsia... And this at a time when more than ever before people speak, write and say that the intelligentsia is the brain, the elite and the mind of the nation. Should military personnel’s salaries have been raised? Without a doubt, yes. By taking this action, the government showed that it understands, at least to some extent, the problems and particular needs of our military personnel; it also recognizes the state of the Albanian market today and how difficult life has become for every family. Suffice it to say that even basic foodstuffs are rarely available in the market at reasonable, guaranteed prices, and can only be found at prices two or three times higher. And salaries have not risen at all. Nevertheless, even though prices are high, people buy. While someone on one side receives the 80 percent and on the other sells on the black market anything that can be stolen and sold, military personnel cannot do this. They live on their salaries. That is why military personnel’s salaries should be raised. But we should also look around us. Let us look and see that, although it seems all Albania is on strike, there are others who are working. They are the people we repeatedly refer to collectively as the “intelligentsia,” whom we call teachers, doctors, etc. So, should military personnel’s salaries have been raised? Absolutely. But around us there are also those who have not stopped working to go on strike for higher salaries. Even when they lacked bandages, doctors stayed at the bedsides of the sick; even when classrooms had no blackboards; even when they were subjected to attacks by vandals and hooligans and the state was unable to protect them, teachers still did not stop working. They taught wherever their pupils were, and not only that: they were among the most committed in the popular struggle for democracy and progress. In every political party, these groups were among the most active, voicing their views on every issue and from every point of view. And they never stopped working. But those who did stop working were the military personnel. They stopped work to demand better working conditions. Their strike meant that teachers would have lower salaries, that doctors’ wards would receive less of what they had requested; it meant that the state would be less capable of fighting crime, that criminals would be free and the police would have their hands tied. And the state, represented by Wilson Ahmeti’s Government, tried to draw comparisons too; for example, a military serviceman living and working in Tirana receives a salary three times greater than that of a teacher or doctor working in the most remote villages abroad. Should military personnel’s salaries be raised? Of course they should. They should be raised because life today has become more difficult than ever, but the government should have looked a little further than its own immediate concerns and looked at the university. It should have looked at its lecturers. It should have seen that in the “Studenti” quarter there is a building numbered 18, where dozens and dozens of university lecturers and assistant lecturers live. Besides earning half the salary of a military officer, they have no home of their own for themselves and their families. They buy their food in the same shops, at the same prices. They count their money several times, and still do not have enough even to buy a lottery ticket and try their luck. We have suffered from egalitarianism. But should this kind of egalitarianism turn into discrimination? Military personnel’s salaries should be raised. Of course they should. Let them enjoy their new salaries, because they deserve them—and deserve even more—but others should be able to benefit too. Those whom all newspapers and all parties call the brain of the nation should also be able to rejoice. They too should see a little light and hope in their own Albania, instead of taking to the roads of the world to clean other people’s houses. That is how it is, dear government. Similar measures, unsupported by comprehensive studies and by a system that sustains the economy, lead to new imbalances in wages. They also lead to discrimination. - Do you know that an Albanian diplomat earns less than half the salary of a refugee? Do you know that a scientist earns half the salary of an army warehouse worker? For the time being, these kinds of adjustments have taken the place of socialist egalitarianism. -

of the Central Election Commission on the results of the first round of elections for deputies to the People’s Assembly On Sunday, 22 March 1992, Assembly was held throughout the territory of the Republic of Albania. the electoral lists. Of the deputies elected in the first round, 86 are men and 3 are women. By profession, most of the deputies are teachers, engineers, economists, scientific workers-