Political turmoil in Albania, oligarch returns

The old left-wing leader, Mr. Nano, has created a political movement that now intends to cooperate with his historical enemy, which has him turning into friend and now into a "partner for the country’s best", of the old right-wing leader and Prime Minister, Mr. Sali Berisha.

Their surprising come back has caused fears and protests from all parts.

The new movement intends to push out the current head of the opposition, Edi Rama, whom has been loosing ground during this latest political crisis, while Mr. Nano and Mr. Berisha are trying to convince the international community that they are the only politicians in Albania who can bring stability to the country.

Mr. Nano has not denied his ambitions toward the presidency of Albania, while the public opinion in very concerned that he may be elected president through votes from his “old enemies". Next presidential elections are scheduled for later this summer.

Mr. Nano and Mr. Berisha have ruled Albania for the last 15 years. Both used to be members of the old Labor Party of Albania, which ruled the country during the communist regime.

For Albanians is not that unusual that the two oligarchs of Albanian politics have now finally established an official collaboration between them. Many Albanians believe that Mr. Nano and Mr. Berisha are just successors of the last communist leader Mr. Ramiz Alia, who withdrew from active politics in 1991. Since then many view their ongoing political conflicts as nothing more than a play between "children’s" of the old communism regime.

Western diplomacies have tried several times to change the situation by sending out of politics both Mr. Nano and Mr. Berisha. Foreign embassies have helped appoint in both parties young leaders, such as, Mr. Pandeli Majko in the left and Mr. Genc Pollo in the right. However, "both of them have failed in their objective to introduce a new style for the leaders of Albania", a diplomatic source comments off record.

The latest leader of the Socialist Party, Edi Rama, seems to be very aware about this dreadful situation. "Is too hard to end ties with old politics", said Rama commenting after Mr. Nano’s latest public appearance.

Now, Nano is most probably going to help the right-wing candidate for Tirana Mayor at the expense of Mr. Rama, during the local elections scheduled for 18 February 2007.

According to a Tirana analyst, Mr. Mentor Nazarko, both Mr. Nano and Mr. Berisha are trying to demonstrate to foreign embassies that they are serious partners in this. "Surely, Mr. Nano has nothing to contribute toward political stability", – said Mr. Nazarko.

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Posted by on Jan 16 2007. Filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry