General Committee closing of the Socialist Party of Bulgaria COMMENTARY PAGE Letter from the Socialist Party of Bulgaria WE ARE FULLY CONVINCED OF THE INVALIDITY OF FATOS NANO We strongly condemn the unjust sentence being imposed on Mr. Fatos Nano. The Bulgarian Socialist Party considers that this court decision is an act motivated by political reasons and contrary to democratic rights. We express our solidarity with the efforts of the Socialist Party of Albania and of progressive forces to defend democratic rights and freedoms. This development damages Albania’s international prestige and obstructs the process of political normalization. We hope that justice will be restored and Mr. Nano will regain his freedom. General Committee of the Socialist Party of Bulgaria Sofia, 10 August 1993

From the press conference

We will go to Parliament to mark a new phase of political struggle for the defense of democracy Closing remarks by Presidium member NAIM DOKLE Comrades, On behalf of the PS Steering Council I thank you all for the lively debate and for the valuable contribution you made in this important meeting. This meeting of the Steering Committee has analyzed a new political situation, created after the unjust sentence against our chairman Fatos Nano and after recent developments in the country. We are convinced that this sentence was politically motivated and aims to strike at the socialist opposition. Our response must be political, organized, and in defense of democracy. Our political struggle cannot remain only in the streets, at rallies, and in declarations. It must also be transplanted into Parliament. We must return there to confront the opponent, to defend the interests of the people, and to expose abuses of power. Returning to Parliament does not mean abandoning our principled positions. On the contrary, it means opening a new front of political action, at a time when democracy is threatened and when the country needs a strong, wise, and responsible opposition. We will continue our battle for the release of Fatos Nano, for the restoration of justice, and for respect for human rights. We will seek the support of public opinion, democratic forces, and international organizations. United, measured, and determined, we will go to Parliament to mark a new phase of political struggle for the defense of democracy. (Continues on page 4)

Political punishment of socialist teachers and PS sympathizers in Berat BY ADNAN NISHTI In the wake of punitive measures with a political character, in the district of Berat pressure on teachers and education workers known as socialists or sympathizers of the Socialist Party continues. According to information coming from the local base, some school leaders and educational bodies have taken administrative measures against certain teachers, removing them from their jobs or transferring them without professional reasons. These actions are seen as an attempt to intimidate people in education and to punish their political beliefs. There have been many reactions from parents and the community. The PS in Berat considers this climate of pressure unacceptable and calls for the intervention of the competent bodies to restore legality and citizens’ rights. (Continues on page 4)

This article addresses phenomena in political and social life connected with monarchist nostalgia, the way symbols are being used, and the impact they have on public debate. The author notes that everyday politics produces behaviors and attitudes that recall old authoritarian models and calls for a clearer civic response. (Continues on page 4)

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