Nano says he is determined to be the next president

TIRANA, June 1 – Former opposition Socialist leader and Prime Minister, Fatos Nano, remains determined to seek the post of president later this month or next month.
In an interview on the Vizion + private television station Thursday evening, Nano said he was the best person to create the necessary mediating personality who is much needed in the ever-squabbling politics.
But Nano also hinted that unless successful as a new president, he could turn to his political party, the Socialist Party, now run by Tirana Mayor Edi Rama.
That means yet another fight for leadership within the opposition’s main political party, something which may endanger its future as a strong political influence.
According to the constitution, the parliament should start the election procedure for the new president June 24.
Nano is one among a group of contenders for the post which includes Bamir Topi of the governing Democrats, Sabri Godo of the Republican Party and Alfred Moisiu, the current president who is asking for a second term.
The political fight may prove to be very harsh, as both opposing groups agree that the new president should be elected by consensus, but they do not agree as to what consensus means.
Democrats say consensus is all candidates run in the parliament and whoever has the most votes will be elected.
Opposition Socialists say the presidency belongs to them, the same way they allowed the Democrats to choose a president five years ago when the Democrats were in opposition.
Disagreements could mean that the country may fail to elect a president with at least three-fifth, or 84 votes, of the 140-seat parliament, and then new elections must be held within 60 days.