WHICH WOULD TRY TO REMOVE PARLIAMENTARISM FROM THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSTITUTION, WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS WHICH WOULD TRY TO REMOVE PARLIAMENTARISM FROM THE APPROVAL OF THE CONSTITUTION, WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS - By placing the constitution’s approval first, the opposition is giving the Democratic Party a new chance. - Berisha understands politics not as the art of the possible, but as a means to rule. - The “No” vote in the referendum was also a protest against the PD’s partisan games against Albanians at home and abroad. From the speech of Dr. Servet Pëllumbi At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Servet Pëllumbi greeted those attending the meeting and then focused on the PS’s results after the campaign against the constitutional draft in the 6 November referendum. He stressed that the PS had had one of the most successful campaigns it had ever carried out and the fact that it received over 840,000 votes in support of its opposition overturns Sali Berisha’s lie that it represented a minority. This, he said, means that in Albania the time has come for those in power to understand that even when you lose, you must leave, you must resign. The content of the constitutional draft that the people voted on on 6 November was, according to him, completely different from what the referendum question summarized, a question full of euphemisms and ambiguity. The People’s Assembly put only one question to the people for approval. The way the campaign was conducted prevented the people from judging the draft as a whole. The vote, the speaker pointed out, was not only a vote against the constitutional draft, but above all a vote against the method and style of governance of the ruling party. “Yes” or “No” to the constitution, “Yes” or “No” to Berisha? That was the issue that was raised. This referendum was understood by the people as a trial of the two years of democratic rule. The people delivered the deserved punishment to this regime. The speaker further argued that the 6 November referendum was contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, because the temporary constitution explicitly states that before the draft is submitted to a referendum, it must be given to the deputies. This was not done. On the contrary, the draft was given to the deputies only one week before the referendum. This was more than a formal violation. It was an act that bypassed Parliament, depriving it of the right to discuss, amend, approve or reject the draft. By placing the approval of the constitution first, the opposition and the PS are giving the Democratic Party a second chance. “The constitution,” he said, “we do not oppose for the sake of the constitution itself, but we oppose it because of the way the government acted and because of its content. There is no good constitution without free citizens, without a rule-of-law state and without parliamentary oversight.” Dr. Pëllumbi said that the referendum was also a test of the political maturity of Albanians. Albanian citizens understood that one cannot vote blindly for what power presents as national salvation. They gave a political answer to the arrogance of power. He then turned to the need to reorganize the PS in the capital, emphasizing strengthening ties with the electorate, increasing the role of the forums, and active, civic opposition. According to him, Berisha’s government understands politics not as the art of the possible, but as a means to rule. This way of thinking keeps the country in constant tension and weakens the state. Only a strong, parliamentary and civic opposition can curb this tendency. (continued on page 3)

In parliament, the government changes were being approved - an instrument of governance PD: There’s nothing to do, it destroys and creates ministries... In parliament, the government changes were being approved - an instrument of governance Representatives of the Socialist Party, the Social Democratic parliamentary group and the opposition as a whole, yesterday opposed in البرلمان the president’s decree dismissing the minister of construction, (and, it is understood, replacing the minister of industry) and creating the Ministry of Public Works, called by the opposition the “clean-up ministry.” According to them, the project had only political and administrative aims, without reformist content. On behalf of the socialist group, Ali Elbasani stressed that such moves do not solve the public administration crisis, but only worsen it. He pointed out that ministries are being created and dissolved according to the needs of the moment and not on the basis of a stable government program. The opposition described this practice as proof of a lack of institutional seriousness. According to the parliamentary debate, questions were raised about the efficiency of the new structure, budget costs and the real reasons for the decision. Opposition speakers said the majority is trying to create the impression of dynamic governance, while the country is facing deep economic and social problems. In the end, opposition representatives called for the cabinet changes to be discussed more broadly, with transparency and public responsibility. (continued on page 3)

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The court’s decision concerning former officials also in Cassation COURT The decision and the measure against several former high-ranking officials were upheld by the Cassation instance as well, according to the notice published yesterday. In this way, the much-discussed judicial process entered a new stage, confirming the earlier decisions of the lower courts. According to the material, the case concerns administrative and criminal responsibility of former officials and the interpretation of the law on abuse of office. The decision has been widely commented on in political and legal circles. (continued on page 3)

Chronicle in TELEGRAFHICALLY The PS committee elected new ones for Tirana ... [?] (continued on page 3)

Tirana: In the PSD hall Vjollca Manushi and Kadri Roshi, 25 years People’s Artists Last night, at a commemorative event in Tirana, two well-known names of the Albanian stage, Vjollca Manushi and Kadri Roshi, were honored on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the title “People’s Artist.” At the meeting, their contribution to theatre and cinematography was discussed, as well as the place they hold in Albanian culture. Those present in the hall included artists, friends, colleagues and admirers, who praised the role of these figures in the history of Albanian stage art. (continued on page 3)

By another decree yesterday it was also announced that Professor Ylli Popa, minister of industry and energy, was relieved of his duties, and he will inevitably join the long list of former ministers... ... (Continues on page 3) DJEVOL More details about the dismissals of ministers and the changes in the government cabinet... ... (Continues on page 3) 4 A. M. Motto zgj. Mandy Aslli [?] ... (Continues on page 3)