For all this we have programs, ideas, abilities and people prepared to carry them out; the programs of social democracy, proven especially in the period of socioeconomic changes A conversation without handcuffs in the Bënça prison with the chairman of the Socialist Party FATOS NANO (Continued from the previous issue) Under the conditions of prison, the grounds for imprisonment were even more unjustified, Fatos Nano thinks, since as anti-globalists (apart from the main reason for the sentence) we were also brought together by other bad words spoken against us. You are not pleased by relatively developed systems of government; they were actually collapsing structures of disintegration. But when the years of fragile democracies, rule-of-law governance, and the market economy are compared, one is confronted with disappointing facts, summed up in an economic disaster. This is what Albania has suffered. Why? Not because of the people's inability, and not because of a lack of potential and wealth. On the contrary, because of wrong policies, unsuitable people, the lack of democratic culture, distortions and usurpation, arbitrariness, pressure, and indifference toward the concerns of the majority. They were taking too much from politics, and it was necessary to find the true key to the solution. Perhaps this is why a large part of honest people and intellectuals are turning their attention back to the social-democratic alternative and its program. Many of them understand that the state cannot be sustained on fear, propaganda, and injustice. During this time we have learned that pluralism has no value without democratic standards and without functioning institutions. It is not enough to proclaim reforms; they must also be implemented honestly. There is social fatigue, growing poverty, and a loss of trust in justice. This is the atmosphere in which the progressive opposition must offer real solutions. – Mr. Nano said that Albanians are accused of dealing too much with politics, perhaps unlike in any other country. And much time has also been spent on governing the state and the economy. Perhaps this new situation has made the need for change even more evident. During the governing thousand-day campaign, tensions, scandals, and the use of the administration have undermined trust in the state. Instead of dialogue, division has been used; instead of law, favor has been used. A stable society cannot be built like this. The chairman of the Socialist Party emphasizes that true democracy needs freedom, responsibility, and rotation. Only in this way can the country move forward and emerge from the long political and moral crisis. (End of the visible part on this page)

The incident took place in the law faculty lecture hall of the University of Elbasan, around 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Student Besnik Ahmeti was finishing his exam in philosophy. When asked a question related to the subject, he answered by indirectly criticizing government policy. Immediately afterward, the lecturer intervened, telling him that he could not speak like that and that he should stick only to the question. The student, for his part, objected, asking for the right to express his own opinion. The situation became tense and, according to the students present, the matter took on a political tone. In the faculty environment this was commented on as pressure on free speech and as a sign of an inappropriate academic climate. The students stressed that lecture halls should not be used for political intimidation, but for debate and knowledge.

Forty people and one Tirana family barricaded themselves yesterday evening in a hunger strike, protesting the difficult economic conditions and the disregard of their demands. According to reports, the strike is continuing on its fourth day and their health condition is becoming worrying. They are calling for urgent intervention by the institutions. Read on page 4

A concern for everyone The Albanian public opinion is concerned about this case. People ask: Where are we going? Why are such events happening? Is the situation of order and security going to deteriorate even further? Are we dealing with a new wave of organized crime? In this grim climate, the kidnapping of a family is not only a criminal act, but also a warning signal for the institutions. An immediate response, a serious investigation, and punishment of the perpetrators are required.

Special Mr. MEKSI makes a visit to the field of Mi[?]ot Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi yesterday visited this area of the village, at the same time [??] of the speech. On the surface the visit was presented as a work inspection, but the residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of investment, the state of infrastructure, and the unfulfilled promises. In meetings with local representatives, roads, energy, and the everyday problems of the area were discussed. The residents asked for concrete solutions, not just statements.