Open letter to Prime Minister Meksi Mr Prime Minister! At the outset we would like to make clear that we do not know whom to address, the government or you personally. In any case, we are writing to you in the hope that this letter will become public and that the voice of the people and their concerns will finally be heard, not only in foreign magazines, but also in our own country. We are not addressing you as a private individual whose wealth has become the subject of numerous accusations and suspicions regarding how it was obtained, nor as the head of a party that has never won a majority of votes to govern, but as the Prime Minister of the country, as the man who has taken on the responsibility of leading its destiny. Mr Prime Minister! It has now been a full 16 months since the change of power, and the Albanian economy continues to sink lower and lower. Enterprises are going bankrupt one after another, unemployment keeps rising, industrial and agricultural production has fallen sharply, while inflation and prices continue to rise. The market is flooded with foreign goods and domestic producers are being ruined. For most people, life has become harder than ever. Instead of supporting production and building real mechanisms of a market economy, speculation, smuggling and corruption are flourishing. In towns and villages, insecurity has spread, while the state appears powerless or uninterested. Instead of profound and carefully considered reforms, we see improvisation, experiments and propaganda. We ask: is there a clear economic programme? Is there government accountability for the failures so far? Is there anyone who takes responsibility for the closure of factories, for the lack of energy, for the decline in public order and for the poverty that is expanding day by day? The people cannot live on promises. They cannot be fed on optimistic statements when bread is missing from their table, when there is no electricity at home and when tomorrow seems just as uncertain as today. People do not ask for miracles, but for order, work, justice and security. If there is a government, it must be visible in deeds. It must be capable of making decisions, enforcing the law, protecting the public interest and being held to account. Otherwise the question will remain the same one that thousands of citizens are now asking loudly: is there a government? VANGJEL KUDO

submitted to the Speaker of Parliament with the Deputy Speaker of the PSD and the parliamentary group. How do you explain the fact that even the motion of the Council of Europe Committee is making the same demand? In fact I did not express certainty about that. It is a deduction of “anger” as a result of political logic. If this party’s demand were conditional, it would certainly stem from the votes of the parliamentary group and would not necessarily be submitted to the institution of the presidency. Such an action would only make sense if it were imposed by a major demagogic and unconstitutional campaign, such as the one undertaken today by PD representatives. On 7 July there is a chance that the draft law on the referendum will be submitted to Parliament. How will PSD vote? As I have also stated publicly, we have not been against the referendum as a democratic instrument. But we are against its use as an instrument of political manipulation, as a way of bypassing institutions and creating unnecessary tensions. Our position will be reconsidered when our demand is met. Does this have to do with your decision not to take part in the session? Yes. We cannot become mere decoration in a process that does not respect the rules of the democratic game. We demand equal conditions, fair information and guarantees of constitutional standards. If these are lacking, then our vote also loses its political meaning. (partial, damaged text) [?]

How was this commission formed? Has all the political forces been involved? This commission was set up by a decision of Parliament and includes representatives of the parliamentary political forces. Its task is to examine the drafts and proposals related to the constitutional issue, aiming at a solution that is as broad and representative as possible. Do you think the work is being done seriously? From what has been seen so far, it seems that work is indeed being done. There are meetings, discussions and consultations. But of course, what matters is not only the pace, but also the content and the spirit in which the work is carried out. The constitution cannot be the product of a simple majority, but of a broader political and social consensus. Is there a chance the work will be completed soon? That depends on the will of the parties and on their willingness to listen to one another. If the process is used for narrow party interests, the solution will be delayed. If the country’s interest prevails, then a useful result can be achieved. (partial text) [?]

THE LINE OF PEOPLE THREATENED WITH “DISMISSAL” CAN BE SEEN [?] Officers note that after 11 months in the country, the situation with military personnel of all ranks, and everything else, is such as to allow some accounts to be rendered. This is a sufficient period to see what has been done and what has not. Many soldiers released early or dismissed unjustly, according to them, have still not found a solution. They feel threatened, unprotected and forgotten by the structures that were supposed to deal with them. It is said that one can see a line of people waiting for a solution near the offices, with files in their hands and great concerns about the livelihood of their families. Instead of clear and responsible communication, there is silence, shuffling around and vague promises. This situation feeds dissatisfaction and mistrust. TIANUS DINO

According to information sources, changes in the ranks of the financial police were to take place these days. These moves are being accompanied by various comments and high expectations, especially in a context where the fight against abuses and financial informality requires more capable and more trustworthy structures. Unofficial sources speak of replacements in leadership, the movement of several cadres and a review of powers. However, to date there is no full official information on the specific reasons and objectives of these changes. In public opinion the question is being raised whether these “refreshments” will really bring improvement in the fight against evasion, smuggling and abuses, or whether they will remain merely a formal move. Time will tell. DURO JANAIS

Thought I am one of the voices of a group of former secretaries of district party organizations, whose number perhaps reaches 90. We remind you of what we called yourselves? [?] before 24-11 parliamentarians, whom now 24-11 present as persecution or political harassment. This is the bitter truth we are trying to express. How can it be explained that suspected persons are appointed to the post of chief inspector, while those who have borne real responsibility remain in the shadows? This leaves room for many questions and little trust. Many of us have felt injustice, humiliation and sidelining on our own backs. And when we see your smile, Mr President, we ask ourselves whether it is a sign of understanding or indifference to our plight. This country needs justice and not spectacle. It needs institutional responsibility and not political decoration. NIKOLLA PRODANI [?]

REFIT PROBLEMS OF THE CONSTITUTION