Tirana Times editorial
TIRANA, June 28 – The recent partial reshuffle of the Albanian government is a clear indication of the weak state of democracy in this country. Better said, these changes show that the so-called democracy in Albania is being reduced to nothing more than an autocracy.
We do not use that term lightly for a NATO member and a country looking to join the European Union. But when major government changes are done over a single weekend and through a decision by a single man, Ilir Meta, who runs a miniature autocracy called the Socialist Movement for Integration, the junior coalition power in government, there isn’t much to hold off on.
The moves of SMI chairman were erratic. He dismissed the foreign minister and sent him to head the Economy Ministry. The former economy minister was sent off to become deputy parliamentary speaker, and the minister of health was dismissed and substituted with another SMI member of parliament. To top it all, the Tirana’s deputy mayor became the new foreign minister. Prime Minister Berisha simply filled one vacant post at the Ministry of Interior, bringing in a party functionary to head the ministry.
It has never been a secret that political parties in Albania function as autocracies. In total disregard of the fact that parties have institutions, these are often merely a formality and do not participate in decision making. Simply put, Albanian parties are led by autocrats – their leaders. Mr. Meta’s overnight decision to change three ministers in the coalition government is a perfect example of this.
At least this time SMI chairman spared the public the speech that the changes were being done to speed up the European integration of Albania. He knows it would foolish to do that type of lip service when an agriculture specialist is appointed as Albania’s foreign minister or when the new minister of economy specializes in foreign language studies.
The new appointments show real arrogance toward the public. We are owed at least an explanation about why such important cabinet ministers were changed overnight.
It’s important to point out that since we are now less than a year away before the scheduled general elections, any changes to the government would make sense if they were aimed at improving the functioning of government, to improve its work in a particular sector or to gain further support for the next elections. However, these latest changes meet none of these criteria and do not improve the work of government – as such they are difficult to understand and interpret in a democratic context. They are simply decisions of autocrat party leaders who treat their parties as a personal bailiwicks.
The question remains however why the two ruling parties would be so arrogant with the changes. One simple answer could be that even in SMI there are several factions – despite the fact that SMI is more of a private enterprise than a true political party. And in the Democratic Party, Prime Minister Berisha’s word ends all debate as he totally dominates and controls the party. Members of parliament are fearful to show any descent or dare not to agree with the prime minister’s decisions.
In that aspect, Albanians are still citizens in fear. Fear was the first instrument used by the communist regime, and it is still present in Albanians’ lives today.
Last but not least, arrogance and autocracy are by no means the sole property of the parties in power. The Albanian opposition shows a very similar trend in its behavior as an opposition, which is why it has failed so spectacularly in fulfilling its duties.
