1. How do you assess the privatization of enterprises? 2. How should the privatization strategy be built in the future? 3. How do you evaluate the meeting with the President of the Republic? SKËNDER GJINUSHI CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY WE DEFEND THE NATIONAL ASSETS We must first state that the entire privatization process up to now has been carried out in complete contradiction with the laws of the state, accompanied by blatant violations and open favoritism toward people close to power. It has served as a means of creating an artificially wealthy layer, with fortunes accumulated not through work but through political connections. If the process continues in this way, it will only produce new social injustices and concentrate wealth in a few hands. Privatization must be transparent, controllable, and guided by the public interest, not the interest of a party. (Continued on page 2) GRANOZ PASHKO, DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE PARTY I WOULD CALL THE CURRENT PRIVATIZATION THE BASIS OF ADMINISTRATIVE CORRUPTION The greatest political and economic scandal of the Albanian transition remains the impunity of corruption and the misuse of public property. Privatization so far has been distorted, lacking a clear economic philosophy, fairness, and real competition. There can be no free market when the state arbitrarily decides to whom to give and from whom to withhold property. A stable legal framework, clear procedures, transparency in valuation, and public oversight of every step are needed. (Continued on page 2) VASIL MELO CHAIRMAN OF THE SDU PARTY PRIVATIZATION MUST BE LEGITIMIZED BY PARLIAMENT If one examines what has been done with privatization during these years, it becomes clear that it has not been the result of a studied national policy, but of improvisations, narrow interests, and decisions made outside parliamentary control. Privatization must be part of an overall economic development strategy, with protection for vulnerable groups and preservation of the national interest. I am against any practice that uses privatization as a means of enriching the political clientele. (Continued on page 2) SABRI GOD0 CHAIRMAN OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WITHOUT CANCELING UNDER-THE-TABLE SALES, ONE CANNOT SPEAK OF FAIR PRIVATIZATION A large part of what has been called privatization in Albania has not been either a free sale of public assets or fair competition, but a transfer of property in favor of people close to the government. Without bringing those responsible for abuses to account and without guaranteeing equality before the law, any new privatization will remain suspect. Privatization must bring development, employment, and modernization, not merely immediate gains for a few. (Continued on page 2)

Corruption in focus: “The Arsidi file”, on trial without Arsidi… The biggest political-criminal scandal of the Albanian transition, immortalized under the name “the Arsidi file,” continues to be kept away from full clarification. Some of the defendants have appeared in court, but the main person, who bears the weight of the most serious accusations, is absent. This has increased suspicions that justice is operating with double standards and that ties to power continue to influence the course of the case. (Continued on page 2)

The general chairman Alkis, entrusted together with Dr. Katerina Koleci with representing the Greek state in the talks on setting the border line between Albania and Greece, has made some surprising statements concerning the Cham issue and the property of Greek citizens in Albania. These positions have sparked numerous reactions in public opinion, as they are interpreted as attempts to reopen issues that have been historically and legally settled. Instead of a spirit of mutual understanding, they risk poisoning the climate of bilateral relations. (Continued on page 2)

The article raises serious questions about how certain individuals involved in suspicious economic and financial activities managed to leave Albania unhindered. The case of Hajdin Sejdia is presented as an example of the lack of institutional control and of the inability or unwillingness to prosecute those responsible. Public opinion expects full and credible explanations. (Continued on page 2)

The article deals with the controversies that arose after a presidential decoration act, casting doubt on the criteria and political motives behind the honor. According to the article, the decoration was used as a propaganda tool and not as recognition of real merit. This has caused reactions and debate in public opinion. (Continued on page 2)

The trade union forums are presented as concerned about the lack of social dialogue and the government's refusal to consider their demands regarding wages, working conditions, and social protection. According to union representatives, cases of pressure on workers and bypassing of legal procedures are increasing. They are calling on the government to change course and establish regular institutional relations with labor representatives. Written by Ylli Taria (Continued on page 2)

Durrës A. Y. [?[].] has been arrested; he is an employee of the banking unit and is suspected of abusing his duty by embezzling considerable sums from savers' funds. Preliminary investigations have uncovered discrepancies in the documentation and unauthorized transactions. The case is expected to be handed over to the justice authorities. (Continued on page 3)

Former chairman of the presidium 5 thousand people deceived, hundreds of millions of drachmas stolen… waiting for a comforting solution Tirana [?[].] Within today, new developments are expected regarding the financial scandal that has left thousands of victims behind. The sums lost are estimated at hundreds of millions of drachmas, while many families remain without any answer concerning their savings. The case has received wide attention and is being followed with concern by public opinion. (Continued on page 4)

Today at 11:00 a.m. in the party-room of the central headquarters of the Socialist Party, a press conference will be held by the chairman of the socialist parliamentary group and the representative of the parliamentary opposition at the political table on constitutional drafts, Mr. Namik Dokle. Journalists and foreign news agencies, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tirana, are invited to attend the press conference. Press and Information Office of the SP