TV Uncle is sending only ultimatums to replace thought with “slogans”. AIO wants to convince us that Albanians will not think, that totalitarian power pulls from afar. Those will remain in the memory of Albanians, but for reasons completely opposite to what he thinks. On 23 May 1995, N. Deda wrote in “Koha Jonë” that “PD held the last electoral tribune, with the speech of the chairman and the candidate in our city”. The first thing that stands out is the assertion that PD organized the tribune. This leads one to think that power and party have merged into one. That is apparently how he also conceives the “legal state”. By stating that “from start to finish it was more of a rally than a tribune”, the author quotes Berisha’s words: “We will sow it for the next 4-5 years”. To say that agriculture did not have the privilege of the years of socialism, even though in developed countries with market economies it enjoys advantages that industry does not have, is not just wordplay. Through such words, an attempt is made to deny a simple truth: without the countryside there is no Albanian economy. Much more serious is the distortion of social memory. When he speaks of “cooperatives, cutting fruit trees, daily supply of food to the city, and so on”, he not only mocks the effort of generations, but seeks to consign to oblivion what has been the basis of the country’s livelihood. Speeches in ultimative tones cannot replace an analysis of the real situation. In fact, the attempt to portray every opponent as an enemy and every criticism as nostalgia is a sign of political fear. Propaganda is not enough to hide the crisis, unemployment, people leaving, and the lack of hope. Public opinion is not persuaded by orders, but by arguments. (Continues on page 2)

Interview with DRITERO AGOLLI given to our newspaper’s deputy editor-in-chief Luan M. Rama How long did you work at “Zëri i popullit”? “When I started working at the newspaper, around the age of 28, the paper was headed by Todi Lubonja. Later, Hysni Kapo became editor-in-chief. I cannot make any comparison between the colleagues of then and those of today, because the relationships were completely different. The newspaper of that time was run with a political hand, but it also had a work discipline that is missing today.” This is how Dritëro Agolli expresses himself in this conversation about the press, politics, and responsibility in public speech. He reflects on the major changes Albanian media has undergone and on the need to preserve professional dignity. The interview also touches on the relationship between literary creation and social engagement, as well as the author’s memories from the years when he worked in the daily press. (Read on page 2)

Press conference of the President of the Republic Yesterday, in the press room, it was stated that another wave of accusations against the independent media is expected. The latest positions show that, instead of dialogue, forms of political and administrative pressure are being used against critical newspapers. This comes at a time when the public needs free and impartial information. The debate about the media cannot be solved with threats. Freedom of the press is a fundamental right and cannot be reduced to blind approval of the government. Any attempt to intimidate newsrooms, to make publication conditional, or to target journalists runs counter to democratic standards. Different opinions, criticism, and investigation are part of the normal functioning of an open society. For this reason, the response of public opinion, political forces, and interested organizations is essential. (Continues on page 2)

- After the received absurdity Serbs “opposition but brothers” News coming from the electoral activities of those in power show a growing nervousness. The statements made recently about “tests” and about the way the will of the voters will be read arouse concern. When polls are accepted only if they favor those in power, the very idea of fair competition is called into question. In such a climate, comparisons with authoritarian models and rhetorical alignments with neighboring nationalisms are not accidental. The language used deepens divisions and moves the debate away from the real problems of citizens. (Continues on page 4)

Here the text is partially illegible due to the quality of the image and the page being turned upside down. There are scattered fragments related to electoral polemics and public reactions, but an accurate transcription cannot be made without excessive guesswork. (Continues on page 4)

the chairman of the Youth Forum of the Kosovo Committee also speaks I think the visible part of this material announces a public statement or interview. The surrounding text is very faint and unclear. The name “ALEKS LUARASI” can be read, while the rest remains fragmented and not sufficiently certain for full transcription. (Continues on page 3)

THE TRIPLE CONSTITUTIONAL, FINANCIAL, POLITICAL SIGNAL — THE HEAD OF THE PD PRESIDENCY ÇELA VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION OF ALBANIA Do you understand what the order for the administration to account to the party means? That is the question posed in this article, which criticizes the mixing of state structures with party structures. When public officials report first to the party and only then to institutions, the constitutional principle of state impartiality is undermined. The author argues that this has threefold consequences: constitutional, financial, and political. The state loses its neutrality, public funds may be used in service of partisan interests, and the citizen is left without institutional protection. According to the article, this is an alarming signal for democracy. Do you understand, the author asks, how dangerous the precedent becomes when the administration is placed under the political command of a party? Any accountability should be before the law and the public, not before the leadership of a political force. (Continues on page 4)

Mr. HAJDARAGA should ask no. 2 MALITI, chairman of the PPD of Macedonia, for supervision of the PSSH. At the invitation of the chairman of the PPD of Macedonia, a meeting was held with representatives of the PSSH. The discussion addressed issues related to political cooperation, the situation of Albanians in Macedonia, and the possibilities of expanding relations between the two political forces. The Albanian side emphasized the importance of respecting national and democratic rights, while the interlocutors focused on the role of political parties in regional stability. The meeting took place in a spirit of understanding. (Continues on page 4)

1. The advisory protocol [?] of the President of the Republic, elected by Parliament (Article 79), is much more burdensome than that usually given to the Head of State in a Parliamentary Republic. (Read on page 3) COMMENT OF THE VENICE COMMISSION

From 19 to 26 May, the FRESSH delegation, led by Ilir Meta, made a visit to Denmark. During the stay, the delegation held meetings with political and institutional representatives, and also became acquainted with organizational and youth experiences. (Continues on page 2)