- Interview with Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Assembly Skënder Gjinushi - Question: You said in Parliament that you proposed amending several articles of the Penal Code, such as failure to report a public crime and failure to provide assistance, which would be classified as criminal offenses and punished with a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 lekë. Why did you put forward this proposal? Answer: We raised this question because, in the Special Features[?] and Rules Committee of the People’s Assembly, where the draft law “On some additions and amendments to the Penal Code” was discussed, it seemed necessary to remove these two articles. So we proposed removing the prison sentence and turning it into a fine. This was done taking into account the new social circumstances as well. Question: What about Article 47, abuse of office, why was it not included in this change? Answer: This is an issue linked to the functional responsibility of persons who perform state duties. It cannot be left outside criminal sanction, because it harms the state and public interests. Question: Do you think parliament should set the first example in this fight? Answer: Yes, parliament must set the first example in the fight against corruption. That is also why we have called for transparency and a firm stance against any violation. Question: What are the concrete measures? Answer: Strengthening parliamentary oversight, increasing individual responsibility, and punishing violations according to the law. (To be continued on page 2)

Yesterday the English comic actor, better known by the name Pitkin, by which the public christened him, arrived in Shkupëri. Representatives of the Circus Federation as well as of the “Red Cross” foundation welcomed the English comedy star at Rinas airport. Mr. Pitkin will give performances in Tirana and Durrës to raise money for the benefit of orphaned children, the disabled and pensioners. The English comedian responded with humor to the journalists’ questions and expressed his confidence that he and the circus accompanying him would achieve success and that Albanian art lovers would follow the performance with great interest. Correspondent of Zëri i Popullit

Yesterday the constitutional court of our country examined the issue of the constitutionality of the law “On lustration”, also known as the “genocide law”. The review showed that the matter will be passed on to parliament for further interpretation. According to sources close to the session, it was deemed that part of the provisions requires full clarification from the legislative body. This decision is expected to have an impact on the political debate in the coming days. Correspondent of Zëri i Popullit

French news reported yesterday the official candidacy of former prime minister Eduard Balladur for president. At 66, an admirer of a serious version of “Gaullism”, Balladur has presented himself as the man capable of preserving stability and pursuing a measured economic policy. France is thus entering a new stage of the presidential race, where his showdown with other right-wing rivals is expected. (To be continued on page 4)

Zafajna It is paradoxical, but among all the deputies of the majority, it seems that some of them have forgotten that they were elected to represent citizens and not themselves. In the parliamentary chamber, such arrogant and dismissive behavior does nothing but undermine the seriousness of the debate. This primadonna mentality has appeared in the attitudes of some PD deputies, who, according to observers, think more about media impact than about the substance of the discussions. (To be continued on page 2)

- Another new document, outside the notes of Kërbunësit aggressiv in place of Sumbusë’s “social economy”. Let the thieves go bankrupt and the robbers be killed so that the machine can be filled even more - The state economic logic is clear. At its foundation lies not only the merciless exploitation of public assets, but also the unlawful alliance between violence, arbitrariness and privilege. In practice this means ruin for the honest producer, difficulty for free enterprise, and unfair gain for the clientele tied to power. (To be continued on page 6)

MAI GROWTH IN THE DIVISIONS WITHIN THE SOCIALIST PARTY AND ITS ELECTORATE Since 1994 it reached 205 thousand and 396 people and the new organizations of the socialist party The movement of what are called significant sums represents a material contribution and also within the ranks of the membership; as well as of the intellectuals, as key actors. (To be continued on page 2)

ITALY The government of Dini fights for survival The Italian prime minister, Lamberto Dini, presented his government program to parliament yesterday. It emphasized the need for urgent measures in the economy and institutional stability. The new government is trying to secure the confidence of the deputies in a difficult political climate. (To be continued on page 4)

HEAVY TIMES IN THE ELECTION OF FRANCE’S PRESIDENT (To be continued on page 2)