The creation of the PSSh through a political act that was by no means conformist, but courageous, legitimate and public, once again confirmed and strengthened the Albanian democratic left in the irreversible processes of the collapse of totalitarianism, toward a civil society; socialists have established themselves through their abilities and serious programmes in the field of foreign policy, openness and cooperation with the world - The creation of the PSSh through a political act that was by no means conformist, but courageous, legitimate and public, once again confirmed and strengthened the Albanian democratic left in the irreversible processes of the collapse of totalitarianism, toward a civil society - Socialists have established themselves through their abilities and serious programmes in the field of foreign policy, openness and cooperation with the world FATOS NANO Chairman of the PSSh The broad struggle of Albanians in 1990-1991 to overthrow the monist dictatorship and take part in democratic processes was difficult, even dramatic. In these processes, the PPSH itself and former communists, without exception, did not participate hesitantly, but with courage and with historical responsibility before the country. The creation of the PSSh was undoubtedly the most important political act of the Albanian left during the transition period. It was not a formal act, nor merely a change of name, but a break with totalitarianism and a new orientation toward political pluralism, democracy and the rule of law. I Looking back five or twelve years to 12 June 1991, the rise of the Socialist Party would be seen as one of the most meaningful and positive political moves in the country’s democratic development. The PSSh was born not only out of the need for an internal transformation of the Albanian left, but also as a response to the new historical conditions created after the collapse of the one-party system. Why socialist? This question would be asked by everyone from the very first days, because the new name could not be understood merely as a label replacement. It had to express a new ideological and political orientation, a distancing from the dogmas of the past and an acceptance of the principles of pluralist democracy, a market economy and human rights. At the heart of this choice was not simply an electoral calculation. It was a conscious effort to build a modern political force of the European left, capable of taking part in democratic competition not as a remnant of the old regime, but as a reformed subject with new aspirations. From its very first steps, the PSSh declared that it aimed to break once and for all with the concept of the party-state and with the authoritarian practices that had characterized the previous system. This break could not be achieved through declarations alone; it required reform of structures, political mindset and relations with society. In this sense, its founding also had a broader national significance: it became part of the process of moving from a closed political order to an open society, where power derives from the vote, where the opposition is recognized as a legitimate part of political life and where dialogue takes the place of diktat. II In the transformation of the democratization process of post-dictatorship Albania, the importance of a party representing many voters, with different interests and social strata, but at the same time accepting the rules of democratic competition, was felt. The PSSh took on this burden, facing skepticism, prejudice and often political attacks. From the very beginning it was noted that the legacy of the PPSH weighed on it. This legacy constituted a double burden: on the one hand, it hindered communication with a public demanding radical change; on the other, it imposed the duty to reflect honestly on the past. This was precisely where a balance had to be found between the social continuity of the electorate and political and moral separation from yesterday’s system. What made the PSSh’s survival and affirmation possible was its tendency to orient itself toward reforms. This was reflected in its approach to the market economy, private property, political pluralism and open foreign policy. Instead of sinking into nostalgia for the old system, it sought to adapt to the new realities. The PSSh did not find this path easy. The first years of the transition brought great tensions, extreme polarization and a political culture full of exclusion. Nevertheless, the socialists showed that they knew how to defend the public interest, seek consensus when necessary and present governing alternatives in a time of great uncertainty. At the same time, its affirmation in the field of foreign policy was important. Through contacts with the European socialist family, through openness to regional and international cooperation, as well as through the articulation of moderate positions, the PSSh demonstrated that the new Albania could not move forward in isolation, but only connected to Europe and the democratic world. III The role of the PSSh in opposition and in the parliamentary life of the first years of pluralism was equally decisive. As a major political force, it influenced the stabilization of the system, the legitimization of political rotation as a normal democratic possibility and the strengthening of representative institutions. Socialist parties in Europe have always had a dual mission: to defend freedoms and equality, but also to govern responsibly in periods of profound change. This European tradition also had to find expression in Albania. In this respect, the PSSh’s efforts to present itself as a reformist force, sensitive to social issues and committed to democracy, constitute an asset for Albanian political pluralism. If the Albanian transition needs guarantees, these cannot come only from formal institutions. They also require responsible political actors who respect competition, accept rotation and are ready to dialogue about the country’s major interests. The PSSh, despite all difficulties, has shown that it can be one of these guarantees. Today, after several years of pluralist experience, it is clear that without the transformation of the Albanian left and without the creation of the PSSh, Albanian democracy would be more fragile, poorer and more exposed to the return of exclusionary spirit. For precisely that reason, its creation should be seen not as an ordinary party episode, but as one of the most significant events of the Albanian transition. IV Socialists have also been affirmed for their abilities and serious programmes in the field of foreign policy, openness and cooperation with the world. In a period when the country needed to emerge from isolation, gain trust and build bridges with international partners, this approach was of strategic importance. Moderate positions, European orientation and the rejection of nationalist or isolationist adventures gave the PSSh a distinct profile. It showed that national interests are best defended through diplomacy, integration and cooperation rather than empty rhetoric. This does not mean the path has been free of mistakes. But on the whole, the experience of the PSSh shows that the Albanian democratic left has been and remains a factor of stability, dialogue and modernization. In this sense, its creation and political consolidation are integral parts of the history of Albanian democracy after 1990. For this reason, 12 June 1991 deserves to be remembered not simply as the date of a party’s birth, but as the moment when an important part of Albanian society decided to move forward, linking its fate with pluralism, reform and Europe. Portrait photo of Fatos Nano