Socialists say they could win up to 80 of 140 seats on their won, quoting internal polling
TIRANA, June 4 – The main opposition Socialist Party, citing internal polls, says it is win of the next parliamentary elections is inevitable. Socialist Edi Rama said his party alone will win between 77 to 80 seats in the new 140-seat parliament parliament. With allies, Socialists are hoping to reach the three-fifth figure (84) they need to dominate all political life in Albania and pass key laws required especially in the EU integration process. On the other side, the democrats of Prime Minister Sali Berisha also seem certain of a victory. But they have not given any figures. While the Socialist Movement for Integration of Ilir Meta, which is coalition with Rama, is saying they will have a double digit figure for the number of participation in the parliament with their lawmakers. For the moment, parties are using internal polling and using rallies or town hall meetings to give a perception of great support. They are also making unrealistic pledges that if fulfilled would make Albania more developed than Norway. Their main debate remains on the taxes. Berisha insists that the flat tax of 10 percent is the one that has kept and will keep the country afloat the world financial crisis.
Rama, on the other side, says that the progressive tax on the personal income will bring a 13th salary to the employees.
Kavaja monument turns to hot spot
Kavaja, the city Berisha has represented as a lawmaker since the fall of communism, has turned into a hot spot after its mayor, Elvis Roshi of the opposition Socialists, said he would move a monument associated with the Democrats from the city center based on a new project. Berisha immediately warned that no one should dare move the monument – accusing Roshi and Rama. They responded that local authorities are in charge of the city and the move aimes to improve the city center. Roshi has said he will start the new 8 million euro project after the elections. The monument in downtown Kavaja is a V for victory symbol that that the Democratic Party used in the early 1990s as protests overthrew the Communist regime in Albania
