“According to Berisha, on the stage of Albanian politics there is overturned socialism.” This is how the chairman of the SP, Mr. Rexhep Meidani, described President Sali Berisha’s speech at yesterday morning’s conference. Responding to the head of state’s accusations that left-wing and centrist parties are puppets of the old nomenklatura that are preparing the restoration of the former bloc in power, Mr. Meidani said that “this is an anachronistic and day-to-day political propaganda. In a democratic state, political parties fight for power in order to implement their programs and not to overthrow the constitutional order. Left-wing and centre-left parties are legitimate political forces. They operate within the framework of pluralism and have broad social support.” Speaking about the opposition, Mr. Meidani said that the president is trying to create an atmosphere of fear and tension in order to justify failures and evade the government’s responsibilities. “Berisha is afraid, not Albania,” he stated, stressing that Albanian society wants stability, legality and free elections. According to him, the accusations against the opposition are unfounded and aim to discourage political forces that oppose the authoritarian course of power. The chairman of the SP also emphasized that the country’s future cannot be built on artificial hostilities and divisive rhetoric, but on dialogue, independent institutions and respect for the Constitution.

SEKRET PELLUMBI.

- Communiqué of the International Helsinki Federation - The International Federation of Human Rights and Helsinki states that in Albania the events and developments during the month of April have been extremely troubling because of the personal attack by the President of Parliament, Mr. Servet Pëllumbi, against the head of the Constitutional Court, Mr. Rustem Gjata, as well as the Prosecutor General. In a statement made known to the media, it is said that senior politicians in a democratic country must respect the separation of powers and avoid attacks against independent representatives of the judicial system. This is even more alarming when the entire attack is carried out by the country’s second-highest official. The Federation notes with concern that, meanwhile, the Assembly is making efforts to dismiss two judges from the Constitutional Court. It emphasizes that such actions are contrary to international standards and to the principles of the rule of law. The communiqué points out that judicial independence is a fundamental element of democracy and that any attempt to undermine it damages the process of democratic reforms in Albania.

Yesterday at the headquarters of this organization, Mr. Kristo ..., held a work meeting with trade union representatives. The discussion focused on social problems, privatization, and the protection of workers’ rights. The participants expressed concern about the economic situation and called for a more open dialogue with state institutions. It was emphasized that reform must proceed in parallel with the social protection of vulnerable groups.

The table is laid, but the bowls are empty... During the proceedings of yesterday’s parliamentary session, economic and social issues were discussed. Opposition MPs criticized the government for the lack of concrete results and for its propagandistic rhetoric. The debate referred to the daily difficulties of citizens, unemployment, and the lack of transparency in decision-making. It was stressed that promises are many, but real measures remain few, hence “the table is laid, but the bowls are empty.”

Struggle in Vorë The Democratic Party... is thinning its ranks... Even MP Agim Morina was dissatisfied with yesterday’s governance and this one was stopped. Meanwhile, mutual accusations continue over the distortion of democratic processes. In Vorë, problems of infrastructure and the lack of investments were mentioned.

Yesterday Tirana Skopje at Conference for Skopje You cannot imagine the Berisha presidency outside the Democratic Party • Soon on the market: the new book published by the PD and sponsored by “Shqiponja”: The PD Contract with Albania

Aleksandër Meksi in the role of secretary of the PD’s “AGIT-PROP” G. TUSHË In the premises of the “technicians’” club, a work meeting was held yesterday, dismissed in harsh political tones, where the role of Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi in relation to party propaganda was widely discussed. According to the column’s irony, he increasingly appears more as the secretary of the PD’s “agit-prop” than as the head of government. The text mentions statements, counterstatements, and a style of governance based on daily polemics.