— The Democratic Party, through its swift shift, seems to be choosing the lonely road by blocking reforms. — Near the under-secretary of the cartoon (?) it is singing, as if not surprise, not slander, but with many old and dirty things against the socialists. After an unprecedented debate in the People's Assembly, the PD parliamentary group, in an effort to justify its failure and hide its responsibilities, is trying to strike at the socialist opposition with unfounded accusations and with an outdated political language. Instead of argument and responsibility, slander and demagogy are being used. The socialists’ position in the session was clear: support for the necessary reforms, but not for improvisations and decisions taken without transparency. The socialists cannot be held responsible for the government's inability to move forward with the processes it itself declared to be priorities. Instead of seeking consensus, the majority is trying to create a climate of conflict. This behaviour does not serve the country or the citizens who expect real solutions to economic and social problems. It only deepens the political divide and prevents institutions from functioning normally. Anti-socialist rhetoric is nothing new. It returns whenever the government finds itself confronted with its own failures. But the public cannot be endlessly served the same excuses. Citizens know who promised more and achieved less. Today the country needs calm, dialogue and serious politics. Anyone who replaces debate with insults and responsibility with propaganda only moves Albania further away from the democratic standards it claims to defend. (Continued on page 2)

The outburst of the 14th TV announcement seems to be all about the government and the screens, marked by all kinds of statements and rebuttals, but it seems that the political confrontation is taking on new tones. At the centre is the name of Rakipllari, who is trying to present himself as the protagonist of a political battle that in essence remains without strong arguments. His latest polemic has been accompanied by accusations against the socialists and by attempts to shift attention away from the real problems. Instead of clarifying the facts, he is asking for "revenge", reading political life as a personal clash and not as an institutional process. This approach does not help create a normal climate for debate. On the contrary, it stirs unnecessary tensions and distorts public communication. In a society that needs maturity, revenge cannot be a programme. (Continued on page 2)

At a meeting held yesterday, the possibilities for creating a fund in support of civil society were discussed. The participants stressed the importance of civic organisation and independent initiatives for the democratic development of the country. According to those taking part in the discussion, the fund will be used for projects aimed at strengthening transparency, civic education and support for non-governmental organizations. It was noted that an active civil society is a necessary condition for the functioning of the rule of law. The meeting was оценated as the first step toward institutionalising more sustainable support for the civic sector. (Continued on page 4)

The latest developments in Macedonia and the positions of Albanian diplomacy are being followed with attention. The first analyses note that regional stability requires a measured assessment and careful coordination among political factors. Issues related to the rights of Albanians, to neighbourly relations and to Tirana’s diplomatic orientation remain at the centre of attention. According to observers, any hasty move could create undesirable consequences. Albanian diplomacy must maintain balance, defending national interests while at the same time contributing to regional peace and cooperation. (Continued on page 4)

Bringing the party’s stable structures closer is a chance against every kind of populism GRAMOZ RUÇI: Unlike the reports presented at other conferences, in Librashd the emphasis was placed on internal organisation and on the need for a more functional party structure. In his speech, Gramoz Ruçi stressed that consolidating the structures is an important condition for increasing political influence. He warned against populism and against the tendency to replace organizational work with empty slogans. According to him, only a party with stable structures and strong links to the base can face the political challenges of the time. (Continued on page 3)

When we are all together it is easier for us to gather democratic and please them LIRA META: In a rather tense atmosphere, created after the latest political developments, the district conference in Kukës raised views on the state of organisation and on the positions that should be taken in the face of the propaganda of political opponents. Participants stressed that the strength of the socialists lies in unity and in the ability to be close to the people. It was noted that when members and supporters are united, it becomes easier to confront demagogy and attempts to distort political reality. The discussions underlined the need for more contact with voters, for strengthening the role of grassroots organisations and for clearer communication with the public. (Continued on page 2)

PS alternatives must be understood and broken down in concrete conditions At the local conference, participants discussed the ways in which the programme and alternatives of the PS should be explained more clearly and adapted to the specific conditions of the area. It was stressed that general words are not enough and that political work must be based on accurate analyses, on knowledge of the community’s problems and on feasible solutions. Those taking part called for greater organisational responsibility and stronger commitment to turning the political programme into concrete action. (Continued on page 3)