The government on crutches The Berisha government has been discredited as a failing government, and its rule has reached its lowest point. Under the influence of corruption, abuse of power and administrative incompetence, it is governing the country amid deep political and administrative divisions. The crisis in human resources, dismissals and replacements carried out without criteria and in a one-sided manner, as well as clientelist and secret deals, have made this government move on crutches. Over the past two weeks, this situation has worsened further in several key areas of the central administration. The latest changes in the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the justice bodies and the fiscal administration clearly show the government's inability to run the state normally. If one carefully examines the new composition of the cabinet and the apparatus, it becomes clear that decisions are not made on professional criteria, but on clan balances, narrow interests and party calculations. The crisis of governance is now evident in every sector. The administration has become heavier, more centralized and less accountable to citizens. Decision-making proceeds through political orders, while implementation is hindered by rivalry and internal mistrust. This situation explains not only the economic and social deadlock, but also the degradation of the institutional order. PSSH has repeatedly denounced that the current government is no longer capable of ensuring stability, reform or welfare. It is kept afloat by propaganda, political pressure and the use of the state apparatus for party purposes. This is a power supported by corruption, incompetence and the clan struggle for power, not a government serving the citizens.

During the past week, many local government bodies have come under direct pressure from the police and the central administration. In several districts, mayors of communes and municipalities have been asked to carry out orders that conflict with the law and local autonomy. Instead of institutional cooperation, the path of administrative blackmail and police control has been chosen. This spirit is unacceptable in a constitutional state. It shows that the government does not accept real decentralization, but instead seeks the political subjugation of local structures. Any arbitrary intervention in local government seriously damages the democratic functioning of the state and deprives citizens of the right to an administration closer to their interests. Local representatives have raised serious concerns about the way they are being treated. Instead of dialogue, they face orders, threats and politically motivated checks. PSSH demands that local government be respected as a fundamental part of democracy and not treated as an extension of the police or the ruling party.

ALBANIAN TANZIMATOPOLI: Bank accounts for Holi, Xhveli, Taromi, Sadi HANDCUFFS? The destructive effect of 1.6 million dollars Who will be the "star" of the scandal? Has Ruli, the accused Democratic Party, been investigated? The cleaner the sky over this affair becomes, the clearer its connection with the highest levels of power appears. We are talking about 1.6 million dollars, about a network of bank accounts and about persons who, according to documents made public, are directly linked to the political top. The names of Holi, Xhveli, Taromi and Sadi are mentioned as part of this financial scheme, which has shaken public opinion. The questions that arise are many: who will be the "star" of the scandal, who will bear responsibility, and will things be taken to the end? At the center of the debate is also the question of whether Ruli and the Democratic Party, who are mentioned in public accusations, have been investigated. So far there has been no convincing response from the official bodies, while the delays and silence only increase the doubts. If justice acts with a double standard, then the entire process will lose credibility. The 1.6 million dollar case is not just a financial affair; it is a test of the independence of institutions and of the seriousness of the fight against corruption. Public opinion expects full transparency and political and legal accountability. (Continued on page 2)

VLORA Death through violence inside the police station The victim is Hendrik Islami, 28 years old, held since 17 months in the cells of the Vlora police station The government continues to show that it is unable to guarantee order and peace in the life of the country. On the contrary, cases of crime, killings and robberies are increasing every day. Worse still, as the facts prove, the police are becoming a direct part of criminal events. The latest and most scandalous case is that of the Vlora police station, where a 28-year-old man has died, having been held for 17 months in the cells of this institution. According to the victim's relatives and the initial information, Hendrik Islami died from violence inflicted within the walls of the police station. Despite attempts to present the event as an ordinary case, the circumstances raise strong doubts about the direct responsibility of the police personnel. The question being asked today is how it is possible for a detainee to lose his life under conditions of complete isolation, under state custody. The event has caused outrage and calls for a full, independent and transparent investigation. Any attempt to close or distort the case would further increase the responsibility of the government and law enforcement structures. The Vlora case is a wake-up call about the situation in police stations and about the violence being inflicted on citizens under the cover of order. (Continued on page 6)

The PS rally in Bulqizë For those in power, Bulqizë is a forgotten lamb! The PS rally in Bulqizë THE CITY'S CRISIS WAS BROUGHT BY THE BAD GOVERNMENT For those in power, Bulqizë is a forgotten lamb! Bulqizë, the town of coal and miners, is going through a severe economic and social situation. Unemployment, lack of investment and the destruction of infrastructure have brought poverty and insecurity into the daily life of residents. The government's many promises have remained only on paper, while the town has been left in neglect. At the meetings held by the PS with residents of the area, it was emphasized that Bulqizë is paying the cost of a wrong policy that favors propaganda and neglects real problems. Miners and their families feel abandoned. There are no concrete measures for employment, services and economic recovery. For those in power, Bulqizë seems to have remained a voiceless outskirt. But for its residents it is the place where dignity, work and attention are sought. The PS calls for a new development policy for this town, far from neglect and government cynicism. (Continued on page 2)

Meeting of PASOK Secretary General Agis Xoxhapopoulos with PSSH Secretary General Gramoz Ruçi Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papulias received the PSSH delegation The Chairman of the Coalition of the Left and Progressives Party, Niko Konstantopoulos, received the PSSH delegation Press and Information Office PSSH

TIRANA Continuous interruptions to electricity (Continued on page 6) Korçë [?] - Gigantic campaign of deception (Continued on page 2)