From the hearing remains below [?] The Albanian government has always had bad habits and, in particular, two terrible and ugly traits toward this people: not only does it not love it, it also mocks it. To govern with hatred and contempt, to lie to and humiliate an entire people, one certainly cannot do that without being a sadist and a sadik. After seven years of this government and around two and a half years of right-wing rule, every Albanian knows very well what kind of people are leading the country. They are known not only by name, but also by their deeds. These people have become so hated and so negative in the minds of the broad masses of the people that it is now hard for them to imagine that one could want sadism toward the governed without displaying it publicly. And so it has happened these days as well. At a time when Kukës is going through a real drama, the government is gathered in Pogradec for pleasure and rest. Entire villages flooded, people without bread, without shelter, without roads, without hope, while they hold luxury meetings far from the disaster. This behavior is not only irresponsible, but also offensive. (Continued on page 3)

In the commemoration of 9 May we present a part of Enisa's greeting. A few days earlier, on 5 May, Martyrs' Day, at the inter-district event in Gjirokastra, hundreds upon hundreds of people took part with respect in the commemoration of the martyrs. Showing respect for them, and especially for the ideals for which they fell, remains even today a test of civic spirit and national dignity. History teaches us that peoples who do not know how to honor their fallen lose the moral compass of the future. In this spirit, 9 May remains not only the day of victory over fascism, but also a call to memory and responsibility. (Continued on page 3)

Article? of the Euro-Socialist Forum Pandeli Majko Now, as every 5 May and 9 May, for all Albanians the meaning of the sacrifice of the National Liberation War and its struggle for freedom, independence and dignity returns. The memory of the martyrs is not only a commemorative ritual, but an inseparable part of our national consciousness. The ideals of that war, though misused for years by propaganda, do not lose their value. On the contrary, they should help us understand that freedom has a cost and that democracy cannot stand without social justice. The younger generation must see in that war not the slogan, but the message of civic responsibility. (Continued on page 3)

BERISHA: "Parliamentary elections? After 700 days" From yesterday's press conference After the dispute over the sale of fuel and the insults among officials, President Sali Berisha declared yesterday that parliamentary elections will not be held soon. According to him, the country needs institutional stability, not political adventures. This statement comes at a time when the opposition is calling for early elections and accusing the majority of blocking political life. At the press conference, Berisha also touched on other issues of governance and relations with international partners. (Continued on page 3)

Meetings in districts and Gjirokastër Representatives of the Socialist Party held meetings with intellectuals in several districts of the country, where it was emphasized that their value should be based on professional ability and not on party affiliation. These meetings discussed the state of education, culture and public administration, as well as the need to restore merit as the only criterion for social advancement. The speakers criticized practices of political exclusion and clientelist favoritism, calling them an obstacle to the country's development. (Continued on page 3)

Aside from the scandal with dollars and golden medals, will the democratic government also be a scandal? In a politically charged atmosphere, the author raises questions about the moral standards of governance and the way scandals are replacing public debate. Referring to the affairs involving dollars and golden medals, the article points out that public opinion is losing confidence in the institutions. If the government continues to treat criticism arrogantly and avoid responsibility, then the democratic system itself risks becoming an object of mockery. (Continued on page 4)