NAIM DOKLE It is happening that, in order to face the rapid changes of the democratic processes in Albania, in addition to our national and historical memory, we also need to rely on the values of a new political culture. It is indispensable in order to avoid futile clashes, to understand the role of institutions correctly, and to open the way to civic coexistence. In this sense, one of the greatest dangers threatening our democracy remains political caudillism. It appears whenever individuals or certain groups seek to replace debate with command, representation with coercion, law with personal will. This spirit is not only a sign of backwardness; above all, it is a serious obstacle to building a state governed by law. Political caudillism is fueled by lack of transparency, weak institutions, personal dependencies, and the tendency to see the party or the state as private property. Where it takes root, arbitrariness arises, the citizen’s dignity is harmed, and rights are turned into favors. Democracy cannot be built on servility, but on responsibility, fair competition and respect for the opponent. Therefore today more than ever we must defend institutions, strengthen the culture of dialogue and reject every form of personal rule. Albania needs policies that unite, not banners that divide. Democracy cannot survive where free speech is feared and where the citizen feels superfluous. (Continued on page 2)

ELBASAN The balance of the SP is a value for pluralism in Albania. Dr. SERVET LUMAJ, chairman of the PS branch in Mamurras: it still has enough support, not only as a governing force but also as a compromise against instability. It is happening that, in order to see and correctly understand the new circumstances of developments, we have begun to realize how important its stance in the political arena is. I believe that strengthening the position of the SP would mean a greater stabilization of the situation in Albania. It is known that, more than an ideological party, it is an electoral party of the center-left. This determines, I think, its greatness and its strength, but I would also say its limitations. Many of its voters and supporters were neutral in 1992, but after that defeat, the growth of interest and appreciation, as well as the demand for the reform of the SP, has become indispensable. The work of its leading bodies, with experience, clear ideas and correct relations with its base, in itself constitutes a necessary movement for increasing its role and credibility. In these years, Albanians have experienced disappointments, hardships and many problems of the market economy. Our people feel the need for a serious political force that represents the interests of broad strata, of work, culture and civility. This is precisely where the weight of the SP lies, which, with constructive opposition, can create the right climate for genuine pluralism, without adventurism and without instability. (Continued on page 2)

The President has not understood the urgency caused by the non-implementation of 16 articles In order to learn and fully understand the real problems of developments in the country’s current political life and in the structures of parliament, the discussions in the sessions of the People’s Assembly are of great importance. Thus, for example, in the debate on constitutional issues, many deputies have raised concerns regarding the non-implementation of a number of articles that hinder the normal functioning of institutions. In particular, it has been noted that the President has not properly understood the urgency of the situation created by the non-implementation of 16 articles, which has consequences for the rule of law and for relations between the branches of power. On a broader level, this also raises questions about how political responsibility is being understood in the conditions of a difficult transition. (Continued on page 2)

The publication of the most serious social-democratic forum of Central Europe, “Forum for Europe”, based in Vienna, has devoted a critical article to political developments in Albania and to the figure of President Berisha. According to this assessment, the political climate in the country is being burdened by the authoritarian approach and by the lack of dialogue with the opposition. The article stresses that Berisha is losing support in important European circles and that political isolation is becoming increasingly evident. In this context, the ironic expression “Ar doli dugajxhiu” is also used, as an emphasis on the contradiction between propaganda and reality. (Continued on page 2)

At a meeting of the Socialist Party organization in Krujë, the economic and social situation of the area, the everyday concerns of the residents, and ways to help the most needy strata were widely discussed. Speakers emphasized that political activity must be based on an accurate understanding of reality, on listening to the people, and on strengthening confidence in one’s own forces. It was stressed that only on this basis can the possibilities for development and for better organization of work in the community be strengthened. The importance of bringing young people and women into social and political life was also discussed. (Continued on page 3)

At the Tirana Court A panel of judges in Tirana has issued a verdict for Arben Like, accused of a serious criminal offense. According to the announcement, the court decided on a sentence of 10 years in prison. The material mentions various circumstances of the case and references to the legal procedure followed. (Continued on page 2)

SHARRI: A machine is cleaning Tirana... After several months of delays at the beginning of the problems for a new administrative and organizational division of municipal services, today it seems that Albania is, for the first time, concretely moving forward at a rapid pace with a reform connected to the functioning of the city. At the center of attention is the issue of cleaning Tirana and the equipment used for this work. Well, it is about a machine of the “Titan” type, which, according to the announcement, is being used for cleaning the streets and collecting waste. But the article raises the question of whether a single machine is enough to solve such a large urban problem. (Continued on page 2)

State enterprise Bifë - marinoa cleans the 17D with 80 tons of glass for decriminalization of ma loss (?) State enterprise Bifë - marinoa cleans the 17D with 80 tons of glass for decriminalization of ma loss [?] A short notice from Pashkopia gives information about a state enterprise and about a quantity of 80 tons, but the text on the page is partially illegible. Some words can only be partially discerned and cannot be reconstructed with certainty. (Continued on page 3)

SOCIALIST IN THE DISTRICTS FROM THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY IN THE DISTRICTS