- Contrary to constitutional provisions, the constitution will not be approved by parliament before being submitted to the people by referendum. Why is the PD afraid of discussion in parliament? The Democratic Party stands alone against the other Albanian left-wing and right-wing parties. Socialists, by demanding respect for the law today, are seeking for tomorrow a democratic constitution that will no longer allow personal diktat, king, or first secretary. Meeting of the General Leadership Committee of the Socialist Party SOCIALISTS ARE AGAINST A CONSTITUTION THAT BURIES DEMOCRACY Meeting yesterday in its regular session, the General Leadership Committee of the Socialist Party of Albania, after being informed of the latest political developments in the country, the report of the secretary general and the discussion of the KPD members, issued this statement: At this very important stage for the fate of the state, it is an honor for every political force to show maturity, avoid prejudices and divisions, and renounce practices of eliminating the political opponent by undemocratic means. As is known, the Socialist Party has given and continues to give a serious contribution to drafting a modern constitution for our country. Holding firmly to its conviction that parliament is the only place where the state’s fundamental law can and should be drafted and approved, we have taken part in the parliamentary commission for drafting the constitutional project. We have contributed our ideas, seeing the constitution as the greatest act that gives the people the instrument for governing themselves. We are convinced that the constitution is not merely a legal act, but above all a political act of vital importance for the democratic life of the country. Repeatedly and without any doubt, we have declared that the only constitutional alternative is its approval in parliament and its subsequent ratification by the people through referendum. This is not only our political position, but also a constitutional duty. Any departure from this path constitutes a dangerous precedent for the democratic order and undermines the separation of powers. Our opposition to efforts to take parliament out of the game does not stem from narrow party interests, but from the conviction that without parliament there is no functioning democracy. Any attempt to reduce it to an institutional decoration, where decisions are made elsewhere and merely stamped in the chamber, is a blow to pluralism and to the parliamentary republic. The events of the past few days clearly showed that with the cards of PD deputies an unacceptable procedure was imposed, one that aims for the constitution not to be approved by parliament before being presented to the people. This is contrary to constitutional provisions and to the spirit of the rule of law. We cannot accept that a temporary parliamentary majority use the force of numbers to disrupt the rules of democratic coexistence. The Socialist Party, together with other political forces, has demanded and continues to demand a constitution that guarantees human rights and fundamental freedoms, the independence of the judiciary, the control of executive power, and equality before the law. We want a constitution that serves citizens and not rulers, a constitution that does not open the way to personal diktat, to a king, or to a first secretary. In this situation, the Democratic Party is remaining alone against the other Albanian left-wing and right-wing parties, which seek constitutional solutions in accordance with the law and democratic standards. Why is the PD afraid of discussion in parliament? If its project is right, let it defend it with arguments, not by bypassing procedures. The General Leadership Committee of the Socialist Party calls on all political forces, social organizations, public opinion, and institutional actors to defend the constitutional role of parliament and not allow the constitutional process to be distorted. Albania needs consensus, maturity, and a democratic constitution that will be the foundation of the rule-of-law state. (To be continued on page 3)

The President finally said “farewell” to parliament - The PD deputies, by playing the politicians’ game, said farewell to the socialist opposition. Why? The PD parliamentary group, in a completely unanimous manner, made no concessions to the opposition deputies. The President of the republic, through his decree, yesterday gave way to the political calculations of the majority, signaling that parliament is losing its role in constitutional decision-making. In yesterday’s session it became clear that the political clash is not only about procedures, but about the very content of the regime that is sought to be built. The socialist opposition warned that without parliamentary debate and without respect for the rules, the process cannot be considered legitimate. (To be continued on page 3)

Press conference of President Berisha This autumn will have changes of this kind The President does not consider it reasonable to discuss and approve the constitution in parliament first Yesterday morning President Berisha gave a press conference and set out several views on the political and constitutional situation. He said that this autumn will bring changes of such a kind that will lead to a new phase in the political life of the country. In his answers, the President made it clear that the referendum on the constitution would be seen as the most appropriate path. He then argued that parliamentary procedures should not become an obstacle to the will of the people and that the country needs a quick solution. His positions were met with criticism from the opposition, which is calling for prior approval in parliament. (To be continued on page 3)