In an urgent and bewildering statement, the spokesman for the President of the Republic, Genc Pollo, counters the opposition by accusing it of the following actions: 1. “Instead of fighting corruption, it is stirring up a wave of anti-government hysteria aimed at destabilizing the country.” 2. “It is using and exploiting the crisis of trafficking Albanian girls to Italy.” 3. “It is exploiting the murder of Fatmir Xhindi for political purposes.” 4. “It is exerting pressure so that the Assembly does not examine the SHIK report.” 5. “It is attacking the President and the institutions.” And finally, as if to crown the absurdity, it declares that the opposition is obstructing democracy and reforms. But the issue raised is another: are these accusations a defense of power or an indirect admission of the wounds that the government itself is failing to heal? When the country is confronted with unemployment, corruption, rising crime, trafficking of girls, insecurity and distrust in institutions, it is normal for the opposition to react. To call this “hysteria” means denying reality. What are thorns for the opposition — corruption, poverty, violence, trafficking, manipulation — seem like flowers to President Berisha. In fact, the very listing of these accusations exposes the political and moral crisis of governance. If trafficking of girls is real, if the murder of Fatmir Xhindi has shocked public opinion, if the SHIK report contains matters that need clarification, then the first responsibility lies with those in power, not with the opposition. The opposition does not create the problems; it denounces them. It is not the opposition that stains the country, but the phenomena that are corroding Albanian society. It is not the opposition that undermines institutions, but their malfunction, the concealment of the truth and the use of double standards. Therefore, the presidential reaction does not sound reassuring, but rather like an attempt to stifle public debate. And the more power tries to call thorns flowers, the more the country’s wounds multiply.

For the attention of: the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Sali Berisha . Mr. Jorgji, You force me to address you publicly as a mother and as a woman from Libohovë, because your words and attitudes have deeply offended us. When you speak of honor, morality, the nation and tradition, you must first look at what you yourself are doing and whom you are serving. The names of Albanian women and mothers cannot be used for political games. We have known how to keep our homes, families and dignity in much harder times than these. So when you speak in our name without the right to do so, you offend not only one region, but the whole feeling of the women of this country. Libohovë does not need false moral guardians. It has honest people, families with traditions, and women who know for themselves what honor is. No one can teach them that with empty speeches, least of all those who use society’s wounds for personal glory. If Albania truly hurts you, raise your voice against poverty, against the humiliation of Albanian girls, against injustices and against the silence of institutions. But do not dare to target the women of this country. That is all I had to say to you. I do so as a mother, as a citizen, and as a woman who refuses to be shamed by two-faced moralists.

Yesterday’s hearing was accompanied by numerous debates and the presentation of new documents by the defense and the prosecution. At the center of the case remained the criminal responsibility of the defendants and the role of state institutions during the period covered by the proceedings. According to the defense, many of the actions now considered violations were carried out within the rules of the time and with the knowledge of other state bodies. The prosecution, on the other hand, called for responsibilities to be individualized and emphasized that the country had suffered major economic and moral damage. The court panel is expected to deliver its verdict in one of the nearest hearings. The public has followed this process with interest, seeing it as an important test for Albanian justice.

In various cities, strong reactions have been recorded to the latest political developments and to efforts to damage the country’s image abroad. Citizens, intellectuals and representatives of civil society have called for national interests not to be used as weapons for narrow political gain. According to the reactions gathered, the overwhelming majority of people considers unacceptable any action that could lead to Albania’s isolation or to the worsening of relations with international partners. They are calling for responsibility, clarity and a more dignified stance from state institutions.

Botram Curri: The Socialist Party has its own alternatives for the development of the Northeastern area LUSHNJE: “Berisha should put an end to communist rhetoric for Western diplomats as the most developed country in the world” Qirokastër: Let’s do opposition better Dr. SAVIT BROKAJ: Action is demanded from the PS. Democracy is also courage, boldness, a slogan! From our correspondents and the independent democratic agencies, within the framework of the opening of party conferences in the districts, numerous discussions have been held on the political, economic and organizational situation in the country. Participants emphasized the need for a stronger, better organized opposition that is more present in citizens’ everyday problems. Talk focused on the crisis of trust, poverty, emigration, the lack of transparency, and the need to bring party structures closer to the people. In Tropojë, it was said that the Socialist Party must present concrete alternatives for the economic and social development of the northeastern area. In Lushnjë, the criticism focused on President Berisha’s political language and on the mismatch between official propaganda and the country’s real situation. In Gjirokastër, the speakers called for the opposition to be more active, clearer and more credible. The conferences are continuing in other districts.