1. In the national consultations of 151 intellectuals on the leadership document, “On reforming Local Government and decentralization,” made public on 27 February 1995 in the newspaper “Koha Jonë,” there was broad understanding of the democratic and administrative transformation of local government. But we were aware that this project, like the alternative project of the Socialist Party, was being discussed more as a political platform than as a legal document to be voted on. 2. Our consultation was not conducted along party lines, but with the desire for local government to be built on real principles of autonomy, responsibility, and civic oversight. Our project aims at genuine local self-government, with clear powers, defined financial resources, and fair relations between the center and local units. 3. In this sense, we have opposed the concept that treats communes and municipalities as administrative links of direct subordination. We have emphasized that decentralization cannot be merely formal; it must be accompanied by the transfer of powers, the right to make decisions, and legal guarantees. 4. In the discussions held, it has been demanded that the election of local bodies be based on clear criteria of representation, transparency, and accountability to the community. A strong local government is a necessary condition for the democratization of the country and for bringing Albania closer to European standards. 5. We consider it wrong to portray this process as a closed issue. On the contrary, it requires broad public debate, specialized participation, and political will for consensus. Only in this way can the projects for local government be turned into the basis of a real, acceptable, and workable reform. (Continues on page 2)

Statement of the National Council of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania President of the Republic - SALI BERISHA. Chairman of the People’s Assembly - Mr. PJETËR ARBNORI Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania. As is being followed with concern and disagreement by the broad opinion of Albanian workers, the country’s economy is in a deep crisis, while unemployment and poverty are increasing. The economic policies pursued to date have not improved workers’ living conditions; on the contrary, they have worsened the situation of low-income groups. The Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania considers that the government has failed to take effective measures to protect employment, wages, and social insurance. As a result, social dissatisfaction has increased and workers’ protests are becoming more frequent. The National Council of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania asks the government to resign and to pave the way for the creation of a new climate of dialogue, responsibility, and social reforms in the interests of workers and all citizens. This statement is addressed to the highest institutions of the state and to public opinion.

Everything seemed to have been planned from the parliamentary podium. The chairman of the parliamentary group of the PD, Mr. Tritan Shehu, after making the usual political opening against the opposition, gave the floor to one of the most discussed figures of the majority, Mr. Eduard Selami. His speech, followed with attention, was received as a new signal about relations between the majority and the opposition. At the center of Selami’s intervention was the idea that the country can no longer move forward with exclusionary language and with the logic of permanent conflict. He spoke of the need for dialogue, institutional cooperation, and respect for the opposition as an essential factor in parliamentary life. But the question that arises is this: was this an outstretched hand for compromise, or a glove thrown down in challenge? Because alongside the conciliatory tone, the speech also carried strong political subtexts, where the opposition was valued only if it accepted the rules set by the majority. This is precisely where the doubt begins. Real dialogue is not built with one-sided conditions. If the call for cooperation is not accompanied by a genuine reflection on the responsibilities of governance and on the institutional crisis, then it remains more of a political maneuver than a serious offer. It remains to be seen whether this intervention will be followed by concrete steps or will remain only a rhetorical episode of the parliamentary session.

Against the background of intense political debates, another phenomenon is passing unnoticed: the narrowing of space for the local press. Regional newspapers are facing a lack of paper, high printing costs, and distribution difficulties. In many cases they are excluded from official information and remain without access to public sources. This reality directly affects citizens’ right to be informed about the problems of their area. When the local press is weakened, the voice of communities goes unheard and administrative abuses become less visible. In Vlora, as in other cities, local journalists complain about pressure, a lack of institutional support, and an almost blocked advertising market. This situation makes the survival of newspapers increasingly uncertain. A democracy is measured not only by the existence of a few national newspapers, but also by real freedom of expression at the grassroots level. Without a lively local press, informational pluralism remains limited.

A transition chronicle from Saranda It is not only the old owners who have denounced the destruction and the abusive cutting of olive trees, but also other residents of the area who see this as a serious wound to the local economy. According to them, the lack of control and clientelist interventions have created fertile ground for major damage. The olive tree is not just a fruit tree; it is part of the economic and cultural identity of the South. For that reason, the anger of the residents is understandable. They are calling for intervention by the institutions, compensation for the damage, and punishment of those responsible. In Saranda, the transition is not being measured only by macroeconomic indicators, but by the way the community’s concrete assets are being treated.

The issue of Vigu and the name borne by this area has returned to the center of attention. Residents and local scholars are calling for its history to be treated with greater responsibility and without ideological distortions. The debate concerns not only historical memory, but also respect for the sacrifices and figures linked to this place. In this sense, the return of Vigu to the spotlight is seen as an effort to restore a balance in public memory.

“ARSIM” A TERRIBLE SHOCK