From the report of the deputy chairman of the SP, Dr. Luan Hajdaraga I think it is politically wise that today we discuss the problems of governance at the local level, the achievements made and the shortcomings that have emerged, focusing on the political and administrative struggle to solve problems in the interests of specific communities. In this context, I think the work of these councils has already moved beyond the phase of adaptation and consolidation, through the development of a more active activity. However, their contribution, as part of the local government structure, under conditions of a very serious economic and political crisis nationwide, has been below the required level and below what was possible, putting us before numerous and acute problems. In relation to ourselves, to the issues we are analyzing these days, to the experience accumulated and to the imperative of creating governance as close as possible to people and communities, in the interest of increasing our merit and political authority, I believe this issue requires a thorough analysis, a realistic identification of achievements and shortcomings, a clearer assessment of our role as a political force in the local government councils and, on that basis, a proper definition of certain tasks. Based on this, in this report I will limit myself to some issues that I consider the most important. First, we must accept that the mayors and commune chairmen, the council chairmen and the socialist councilors, elected by the free vote of the electorate, despite their dedication and many efforts, have not fully used the opportunities offered by the law for the normal functioning of local government bodies. There have also been objective and subjective factors for this. Starting with the objective factors, I would highlight two points. First, the delay in completing the legal framework for the decentralization of power, not only in terms of what was approved in the legislative package, but also of the subordinate legal acts. This delay has hindered and continues to hinder the normal development of work as well as the solution of problems. In this respect, I think the work of our parliamentary group, as well as the overall work of the SP in parliament, should also be viewed critically. Second, in addition to the legal framework, economic decentralization has been lacking. Local revenues have been limited, transfers small and often late, while the burden of social and economic problems on local government has been great. However, alongside objective factors, subjective factors have also been at work, related to the level of preparation, to the understanding of the role of the council and the councilor, to relations with the administration, to the ability to make sound decisions and implement them, as well as to relations with citizens. In many cases it has been observed that it has not been properly understood that the council is a political and representative body that must guide and oversee the local executive. Instead, in some places formalism has prevailed, in others unnecessary conflict, and elsewhere passivity. Another important problem is relations with the community. Our Socialists in local government must be closer to people’s hardships, listen more, consult more often, be more accountable and seek realistic solutions. This is the way to strengthen the electorate’s trust and turn it into active political support. From the experience so far we must also draw the lesson that self-government is not a slogan, but a way of governing that requires democratic culture, transparency, competence and responsibility. If we know how to improve the quality of our representation in local government, fight bureaucracy, incompetence and misuse, and defend the interests of citizens and communities, then we will provide the best proof of our ability to govern nationwide. That will precisely be indisputable evidence for early elections. (Continued on page 7)

insisadoi e konkrete vepime for reducing pollution in the Këneti area [?] The Municipal Council of the city of Korçë met on Monday and held a special meeting, attended by all the councillors of the SP and PPD, MP Xh. Konçi, as well as the chairman of the Municipal Council. At this meeting, the most troubling problems of the city’s neighborhoods and areas were discussed, such as lighting, water supply, cleaning and pollution. It was requested that the administration present concrete programs and clear deadlines for solving these problems. (Continued on page 7)

Klare Bizhga [?] The statement issued by the leadership of the FRESH branch in Tirana against the student protests has surprised many. This is not only because it appeared at a time when public opinion expected socialist youth to stand on the students’ side, but also because the very content of the statement suggested a tendency to align more with power than with the students. Even if the protests have included excesses or different political influences, the fundamental issue remains that of the students’ social and academic rights. Instead of emphasizing their demands, the statement created the impression of an unjustified distance. It cannot be denied that students have been and remain an important factor in the political and social life of the country. The attitude toward them requires maturity, sensitivity and political responsibility. In this context, it would be more appropriate for FRESH to make a more careful analysis of the situation and offer a stance closer to the interests of the students. (Continued on page 7)

With a delegation of the SP [?], to discuss youth issues and organizational experience. At the meeting, the importance of international cooperation among socialist youth and the need to increase their role in public life were emphasized. The strengthening of ties with European sister organizations and the exchange of experience in the field of political education were also discussed. (Continued on page 7)

The last child has also been found. More than 30,000 people were left homeless and thousands more injured or seriously ill as a result of floods and landslides in the Lyon area. Emergency services are continuing the search for other survivors, while aid is trying to reach all affected areas. Local authorities have stated that the situation remains very serious and that material damage is extensive. (Continued on page 7)

General strike brought road blockages! Children and pupils without food! General strike brought road blockages! Children and pupils without food! The bread supply crisis in the city of Durrës has sharply worsened. The price of bread has reached 100 lekë, while the shortage of flour and the interruption of production in several bakeries have caused long queues and social tension. In some areas of the city, roads have been blocked by angry citizens, while parents complain that children and pupils have been left without food. The situation has triggered many reactions and demands for immediate intervention by the responsible authorities. (Continued on page 11)

On Friday, 23 December 1994, at 2:00 p.m., in the hall of the cinema-theater of the mechanized enterprise in Sarandë, the ceremony for handing over the land titles to the beneficiary farmers will take place. Representatives of the local government and of the responsible structures of the agricultural reform will take part. The Presidency of the district of Sarandë

Privatization – a great robbery An anxious question from some readers regarding the progress of privatization and its social and economic consequences. The letters sent to the newsroom raise accusations of lack of transparency, favoritism and damage to the interests of citizens. The editorial staff will follow these concerns and publish the relevant materials. (Continued on page 6)

The delegation of the World Interparliamentary Union meets with Fatos Nano A notice from the press office of the SP parliamentary group states that the secretary of the world parliamentary delegation, Mr. Ivan Vaheff, who is in Tirana, held a meeting yesterday with the chairman of the Socialist Party, Mr. Fatos Nano. During the meeting, the political developments in the country and interparliamentary relations were discussed. Sources close to the press office described the meeting as fruitful. B. Baçe