Ako Agolli does not defend them As soon as the government once and for all cut agriculture’s lifeline, a new “argument” was found, according to which even under the conditions of a market economy it would earn substantial revenues if it reduced its own apparatus. This dubious “argument” is being used to justify a wave of dismissals and forced removals from state offices. No state can support itself for a whole lifetime on the backs of a large number of parasites. We all know that. But unlike what has been said over and over, not all civil servants in the administration are such. Therefore, the wheat must be separated from the chaff. In the name of the fight against bureaucratization and the swelling of the state apparatus, institutions essential to the normal functioning of the state are also being harmed. And even worse, capable people are being removed from their jobs simply because they are considered politically undesirable. Reducing the administration cannot be done through arbitrary orders, without clear criteria and without respecting human dignity. Work and experience gained over the years cannot be thrown away as if they were worthless things. In this climate of slander and revenge, methods are reappearing that remind the country of an old spirit of class struggle. And this is unacceptable. Albanian society needs reconciliation, the rule of law, a capable and honest administration, not political purges. Whoever seeks real reform should present programs and analyses, not lists of exclusions. Whoever aims to build democratic institutions should begin with respect for the law and for the citizen. Ako Agolli does not defend bureaucrats, but neither does he accept that injustice be legitimized in the name of reform. Denouncing any new class war is a civic and political duty. (To be continued on page 4)

S. Hoxha An organized group of robbers carried out an armed attack in Grevë, causing insecurity and alarm among residents. According to the information gathered so far, the perpetrators acted with unusual ferocity and stole valuable items, money and tools. Residents of the area are calling for stronger law enforcement and a swift investigation to capture the perpetrators. Police are collecting evidence and investigating the movements of suspected individuals. The incident has shaken local opinion and increased concern about rising crime in several areas. (To be continued on page 4)

The solution that did not respect the electorate As the days go by, the consequences of decisions taken without dialogue with local representatives are becoming clearer and clearer. In many municipalities and communes, the imposed changes have brought administrative deadlock and clear dissatisfaction among citizens. The voice of the voter cannot be disregarded. The electorate has the right to see its will respected, especially when it comes to the bodies that deal directly with the daily life of the community. The crisis of local governance requires wise, consensual solutions supported by law. (To be continued on page 2)

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For real democracy, against censorship... For real democracy, against censorship... A protest rally was held in Tirana, where participants carried banners calling for the defense of real democracy and against censorship. The protesters demanded greater freedom of expression, media pluralism and respect for civic rights. The banners also read: “Freedom”, “No censorship” and other protest slogans. (To be continued on page 3) (Photo: Niko Xhufka) (To be continued on page 3)

In many parts of the country there is a rise in criminal acts and a feeling of insecurity among citizens. The law-enforcement bodies seem powerless in the face of violence, robberies and the use of weapons. A more determined response from the institutions and a real strategy for protecting life and property are needed. (To be continued on page 2)

We are tired of hearing news and watching films that insult our memory. Our television should be closer to today’s reality, more open to different opinions and more sensitive to people’s problems. Whenever the screen is switched on, the public expects information, culture and debate, not old propaganda or mockery of everyday hardships. (To be continued on page 4)

45 children are drowning from Sharra — Another dimension or? The news coming from the Sharra area speak of severe hardship, poverty and a lack of services, which are weighing especially on children. Parents are calling for urgent help and intervention from the institutions to prevent even worse consequences. The problem is not only social, but also moral. A society that leaves children in misery is losing itself. (To be continued on page 4)

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