Political Dialogue On Air

TIRANA, Aug. 2 – May 8 local elections are almost over. The opposition lost the capital Tirana but won in many other cities. The opposition has planned a new strategy in September when it will end its parliamentary boycott and start other forms of protests.
The government, on its side, continues to refer to tourism and Albania’s model of excellence in economy.
Amidst Albanians still listen to the political squabbling.
On one side, they listen to the protests of some former party leaders of the governing Democrats who were not elected at the leadership this time. They complain that the party founders have been left out and newcomers are taking all the posts. There is an increased fight over the top posts expected to be elected at that party in September.
On the other side, the opposition seems to be involved in another form of fight. There are increased voices among some of its top leaders they should consider the alliance with the Socialist Movement for Integration of Ilir Meta. It was the LSI that gave the free hand to Prime Minister Sali Berisha to create the cabinet in 2005. Neither Berisha nor Edi Rama of the Socialists had the numbers to create the government on their own so the LSI turned to be the tool of the game.
Meta decided to Berisha’s favor following quarrels he personally had with Rama. With four lawmakers they keep the government on foot.
Some Socialists lawmakers and well-known leaders in the party have mentioned during the last days a coalition with LSI is not excluded.
There have been opposing voices from some other top leaders excluding any form of alliance between the two leftist parties.
That could be a game from both sides. But that is coming too early.
The parliamentary elections will be held in 2013 and before that it is the presidential election, voted in parliament.