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Zëri i Popullit

E enjte, 24 nëntor 1994

WHAT WILL CHANGE IF SOME MINISTERS ARE REMOVED?

Nothing, if the PD does not begin to reflect on the elections of 26 June. They showed that the parliamentary opposition can hinder present-day Albanian reality At this end of November, as the tense political climate seems not to be calming down and the tension between the majority and the opposition remains high, many eyes are turned toward the government cabinet and the talk of possible changes in its composition. But the essential question remains: will the departure of a few ministers bring any real change if the Democratic Party does not accept that it must reflect on the message sent by the elections of 26 June? Those elections showed that Albanian society is more complex than the simple schemes of political propaganda and that the parliamentary opposition has gained enough weight that it can no longer be ignored. Instead of calmly reading this reality, the path of denial, accusations, and closing off to any criticism was often chosen. This has brought public debate to a point where changing names is not enough, because the problem goes deeper than that. If the way of governing does not change, if the relationship with the opposition, respect for institutions, and acceptance of pluralism as an irreversible fact of Albanian political life do not change, then any ministerial reshuffle remains only a cosmetic move. Citizens do not simply expect changes of chairs; they expect responsibility, transparency, and a more realistic understanding of the will expressed through the vote. In this sense, reflection should begin not with names, but with the very political philosophy that produced these tensions. And that is precisely where the great challenge lies for the PD: to understand that 26 June was not a passing episode, but a serious signal about the way power is being perceived and about the limits imposed on it by a society that wants to be heard. (To be continued on page 2)
Shqiptar

On the eve of another hunger strike

- The residents of Ishovr[e?] are inflamed by law - Another parad[?]gmejore government[e?] After yesterday in September, the residents of the village [?.] had taken the road to Tirana to seek solutions to their problems, today the situation appears to remain just as acute. They complain about a marked lack of support, unfulfilled promises, and a deep sense of abandonment by the institutions. According to voices gathered on the spot, the residents are seriously considering returning to the extreme form of protest, the hunger strike, seeing it as the last means of drawing the government's attention. At the center of their concerns are vital issues related to land, infrastructure, and the economic survival of families. Meanwhile, the authorities remain silent or offer general explanations, which has increased the residents' dissatisfaction. If concrete measures are not taken soon, the social conflict risks escalating further. (To be continued on page 2)
Tiranë

TODAY PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE AMNESTY BILL

The discussions on the amnesty bill are expected to be among the most contentious in today's parliamentary session. The document, which directly affects a considerable number of convicted persons, has been seen as an important political and legal test for both the majority and the opposition. On the one hand, supporters of the bill argue that the amnesty can serve as a humane and corrective instrument in the conditions of overcrowding in penal institutions. On the other hand, opponents are calling for maximum caution, stressing the need for clear criteria and for avoiding any political use of it. The debate is also expected to focus on the categories that will be included, on the limits of the criminal offenses that may be amnestied, and on the consequences that such a decision may have for the legal order and public sensitivity. Today's session is expected to be followed with great interest. (To be continued on page 2)

29 November is untouchable

Meeting of the veterans of this district Today the veterans and representatives of war organizations have gathered to commemorate 29 November, a date they consider inseparable from the country's historical memory and antifascist identity. In the speeches delivered at this meeting, it was emphasized that this day remains a guiding point for the values of sacrifice, liberation, and national unity. The participants pointed out that despite the political debates of recent years, 29 November cannot be relativized or dimmed in social memory. According to them, it represents the end of an era of occupation and the triumph of the liberation forces. At the meeting, a call was made for this heritage to be preserved with dignity and passed on to younger generations as part of the national historical consciousness. THOMA CELAÇI
Thoma Celaçi

Durrës DEMOCRACY UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF FRAUD

In the analysis of recent events in Durrës, serious concerns are raised about the way democratic institutions are functioning and about allegations of manipulation, pressure, and distortion of the citizens' will. According to critics, the local reality is giving clear signals that democracy is being kept under the tutelage of fraud. This situation, it is further said, damages not only the standard of elections or representation, but also citizens' very trust in the democratic process. Transparency, investigation, and an end to practices that distort political competition are demanded. (To be continued on page 2)
Durrës

End police violence and terror

Revenge - the true reflection of the PS after the popular jos-s In a harsh public reaction, representatives of the opposition and other critical voices have condemned what they describe as an increase in police violence and terror against citizens and political opponents. According to them, the climate of fear and the use of force are increasingly replacing dialogue and democratic guarantees. In various statements, it has been demanded that the police apparatus not be used as a tool of political pressure and that those responsible for violations of citizens' rights be brought before the law. The criticism also relates to certain cases of arbitrary and harsh treatment of protesters or detained individuals. This position is presented as a call for institutional normalization, for respect for fundamental freedoms, and for restoring public trust in the rule of law. (To be continued on page 2)

Socialist Party activity of the Kolonjë district: PD's “reflection”

At the meeting held by the structures of the Socialist Party of the Kolonjë district, the political and organizational situation and the tasks set for the period ahead were discussed. The participants considered it necessary to intensify work with citizens and to have a greater presence on the ground. In the discussions, it was said that recent political developments and what was called the PD's “reflection” should be seen as an incentive to further increase commitment, cohesion, and the effectiveness of political activity. More organization, communication, and clarity in public positions were called for. The meeting was presented as a starting point for the further expansion of work and for strengthening the party's local structures. (To be continued on page 2)
Kolonjës