Page 14 - Gazeta AFP

Tuesday, 13 march 2018 14
E martë, 13 mars 2018
ENGLISH EDITION
www.albanianfreepress.al

XHAFAJ-RAMA, THE
NEW WINE IN THE OLD BARREL

BATTLE WHICH IS STIRRING

THE GOVERNMENT

By ROLAND QAFOKU

This article has been written for 3. Interior minister Fatmir Xhafaj is
Albanian Free Press newspaper What happened between Prime Minister Rama and Interior the most determined person not to act
as a vassal to Prime Minister Rama.
e had forgotten the con minister Xhafaj to cause this clash? How come the minister Xhafaj is among those who leave if
flicts within the Social who was reinstated in the same post by the Prime Minister Rama attempts to subdue him through
ist Party, such as the "for excellent results in the fight against crime", suddenly his methods. And he has offered proof
W ones that used to take turned into a tough bone, for which Rama needs to have for this.
place during the time when Fatos 4. Fatmir Xhafaj is one of the least
Nano used to be party chairman. The steel teeth to chew? In fact, it had been a while that represen- likely to be blackmailed. Although
ones that we've witnessed during the tatives of the international community seemed to have found former Prime Minister Berisha claims
time Edi Rama has been party leader, in Xhafaj their most appropriate partner that Rama blackmailed Xhafaj regard-
are nothing compared to the spectacu- ing his brother, it is believed that Xhafaj
lar clashes taken place between Nano has not really taken any notice of this.
and Meta, Majko and Meta, Nano and bone, for which Rama needs to have eration carried out by police, leading WHAT IS EXPECTED TO HAP-
Rama, Rama and Meta and so many steel teeth to chew? In fact, it had been to the seizure of 613 kg of cocaine in PEN
others. The debates taken place be- a while that representatives of the in- the port of Durres on 28 February. It Nobody is able to tell what will hap-
tween Rama and Ben Blushi were like ternational community seemed to have was no surprise to notice that the min- pen in the future. Edi Rama seems to
the ones in the island of his novel and found in Xhafaj their most appropriate ister and the Prime Minister were not have paved his path for the second term
we, journalists, had long been willing partner. After being disappointed by in sweet harmony with each other; on in office and it's hard to believe that his
to see a little "fight" going on between Saimir Tahiri, Xhafaj turned out to be the contrary, a big schism had taken government will be shaken. Foreigners
political leaders. But, the passionate one of the most credible politicians of place between them. are his "enemies" and Rama knows this
and fervent debates taking place within the majority, one of the most honest *** very well. It's not very important whether
the left have affected the government ones and one of the most determined There are clashes, but there are they favour Xhafaj or not. What matters
cabinet led by Rama too. It's been ones to fight crime and drug traffic in also withdrawals. There are suspi- for Rama is for him to strengthen his
months that we see on the horizon a particular. Of course, Prime Minister cions, but there are also objections. relations with them, by preserving all the
schism between Prime Minister Edi Rama was feeling very bad about this Nonetheless, there are several facts necessary balances. The Socialist Party
Rama and Interior minister Fatmir new love that was born and bad for which for all of us remain certain: has a bad experience in this aspect.
Xhafaj. Let us recall that Xhafaj was mouths went as far as saying that the 1. As minister of Interior, Fatmir From 1997 until 2005, when this party
the one to tell Rama that he shouldn't feeling of jealousy was nothing to de- Xhafaj is the man who has most infor- governed, Fatos Nano and Pandeli Majko
consider him like he did Saimir Tahiri. scribe what the head of the govern- mation, who knows the situations bet- served two terms in office each. Can this
But this is nothing in comparison to ment felt about his subordinate. This ter and who knows more than the be repeated? Chances are slim, but Edi
what's happening these days. culminated when rumours spread that Prime Minister about the criminal situ- Rama is an experienced politician who
But what happened between Prime Xhafaj could become prime minister in ations in the country. is able to see and smell everything mov-
Minister Rama and Interior minister a scenario, which, for some would be 2. Interior minister Fatmir Xhafaj ing around him. However, everything
Xhafaj to cause this clash? How come true, while for others a fantasy where is clearly supported by the international could happen in Albanian politics. The
the minister who was reinstated in the Edi Rama would leave the post of community. This relates to his desire best example for this was with Fatos
same post by the Prime Minister "for prime minister. But time had come for to fight crime. Several ambassadors Nano who was voted in great numbers
excellent results in the fight against Rama to pass into action. This clash and heads of foreign institutions have in June 1997, but a year later, he was
crime", suddenly turned into a tough would be even bigger following the op- openly expressed this. removed by the international community.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Albanian Free Press' editorial policy

ALARM
Blast in a mobile phone shop,

suspicions for bomb making

An explosion has taken place yesterday near cal care. The blast may have been caused through
the US Embassy in Tirana. The loud noise has explosive substances, while police are investi-
caused an alarming situation, given that this is gating. Meanwhile, authorities suspect the owner
an important diplomatic center. Later on, authori- of the shop of manufacturing bombs controlled
ties have clarified the situation, saying that the through mobile devices. Authorities also suspect
explosion took place in a phone shop. As a result that Gentian Hoxha, who remained wounded,
of the blast, the 34 year old Gentian Hoxha re- was building a bomb at the moment of the blast,
mained wounded. Hoxha was immediately causing a powerful shockwave in the surround-
rushed to the Trauma Hospital and is under medi- ing area.