6.1 — For A New Victory
The Albanian world is filled with contrasts: in our spirit, both positive and negative qualities prevail. In the clash of these emotions, the Albanian, touched by a half-formed civilisation, remains bewildered! The world of darkness that has faded left us with the traces of inconsolable misery. The generations born in this environment often realised that they were mistaken, that they were on a crooked path, and that a change of direction was necessary. They felt this need, but did they dare to challenge the “perpetual order that has prevailed for centuries”?
Our generation will not concern itself with the “eternal order”! Under the banner of the Fascist Uprising, we will unite all our efforts for a new spiritual construction. In Fascist Albania, there will no longer be a struggle between two spiritual worlds. A single spirit will prevail: the DYNAMIC CONSCIENCE OF THE FASCIST UPRISING.
6.2 — The Albanian Woman: Yesterday & Today
The Albanian woman, in herself, is a simple figure, yet within her simplicity, she is worthy of being studied and brought into focus. Folk songs, legends, and stories depict the Albanian woman as noble, with all her generous qualities. According to them, the Albanian woman is selflessly devoted, a sacrifice that naturally springs from her heart; she gives herself for a profound and sincere love, both as a wife and as a mother. On the National Altar, we also find the Albanian woman contributing with love and enthusiasm towards the victory in the struggle for Freedom: we find heroines and martyrs facing death with unparalleled fire, courage, and bravery.
Delving deeply and carefully into the folk creations of our Nation, aiming to depict the true image of the Albanian Woman through folk songs, we often find ourselves encountering female figures so powerful that we are left astonished. It naturally leads us to doubt and ask ourselves: “Could it be that this land will never again give birth to such daughters? Could these heroines have been exclusive to ancient, privileged times?”
When the “HONOUR” of the family was at risk, when the “HOMELAND” was in danger — the Albanian Woman was in the flames of battle: THE MOTHER FOUGHT BESIDE HER SON, THE SISTER FOUGHT BESIDE HER BROTHER, AND THE WIFE FOUGHT BESIDE HER HUSBAND.
“The woman reloads and the husband fires,
May the Almighty never shame us!”
The warrior spirit, the virtue of self-sacrifice, the instinct of bravery, and heroic love were innate qualities among the daughters of this land. In some cases, we even observe a certain rivalry between the male warrior and the female fighter—a rivalry that always leans towards the man, as he, the eagle of the mountains, embodies the very personification of the brave warrior. If we make a comparison between reality and legend, we might reach a negative conclusion! However, we should not become pessimistic in the face of this truth. No! Because it is well known that as times change, so do customs and mindsets. What, for example, was considered a traditional and social duty yesterday, today is seen as antisocial behaviour—“revenge” being one such example. Moreover, the figures of history, heroes and heroines, are products of circumstances and times, serving as a bridge between two eras: that of the past evil which is setting, and that of the emerging good. Only the good and noble qualities that are in our blood and race should not be lost—those virtues that have been valued and continue to be valued by all foreigners who have had the opportunity to know the mysterious psyche of our people.
The oriental influence has harmed us greatly: although it hasn’t affected our race, it has significantly influenced our mindset. Almost every Albanian soul has been planted with the bacilli of the tuberculosis of oriental mentality. Only in the remote corners of Albania, up in the mountains, where the foot of the Asiatic and of any foreigner has not been able to tread, have the virtues of the race remained pure: there, the pure Albanian spirit prevails. Meanwhile, our cities have been martyred; they have become victims of a spirit that is neither Albanian, nor civilised, nor humane. Since the infiltration of this anti-historical current, the true enslavement of women in Albania began. Until then, the spirits were free: nothing living could divide them.
I have in mind some lyrical verses by “Damiani Himariot,” where Aleksandra speaks to her mother:
— “Why can’t we go out in the open? Why have the walls of our home closed in so quickly on us, young maidens?
— It’s the curse of the Turk!”
Since that time, the song of our maidens has not been heard! Since that time, a dark misery began to cover the fresh faces of Albanian women! Women were completely separated from the outside world; they became prisoners in their own homes! Since that time, the darkness of our thoughts began, and the Calvary road for Albanian life started. No progress was made, and only by a miracle did we manage to survive without being dissolved into a foreign world. And, unfortunately, we adopted their mentality. Today, a large part of the population lives under an influence that is not ours but a harmful foreign import for our small nation.
In the face of this bitter reality, should we stand by with our arms crossed? Should we remain indifferent to the duty imposed upon us by our patriotic spirit? No! Absolutely not! In no way, no!
The Albanian girl of Mussolini’s era, educated with the breath of a new civilising spirit, warmed by the light of a humane ideal, must rebel against the mentality that has shattered our spirit. The Albanian fascist woman, with her revolutionary spirit and healthy patriotic fervour, must strive with all her might and support the dawn of our spiritual revival. The Albanian woman of today must become the pioneer of the new era, which is emerging full of hope and promises.
6.3 — The Duties of the Fascist Woman
The former organisation “Albanian Woman” was an exceptionally farcical parody — an unorganised entity, devoid of any humane purpose and without any tangible or beneficial outcomes. Its activities were limited to an annual meeting. Nothing more! Meanwhile, a suffocating darkness persisted within Albanian households. The press, on these occasions, confined itself to describing the remarkable success of the ball and the kaleidoscope of costume colours! That was all! The gentlemen of that time had no interest in addressing the deep ignorance that enveloped the lives of Albanian women like an impenetrable wall; there was no thought given to resolving the tangled mentalities of our society! And who was there to think about it? Those who cared were forced into silence!
Today, Albanian girls, wearing the Fascist uniform, must fully understand their significant apostolic-national “DUTY.” They should not see the uniform as a mere superficial ornament or as a point of pride over others who do not have it. No! The heralds of this new light must not taint themselves with such condemnable vanity. It is a sacred duty for those who are more enlightened and educated, for schoolgirls and teachers, to dedicate themselves to the fruitful work of the nation’s life. They must strive with all their strength to achieve as quickly as possible all the rights that rightfully belong to women in the political and social life of the country. The Albanian girl of today must prove herself worthy of being a daughter of this land, and with a sense of disciplined duty, she must fulfil her historical and humanitarian mission.
This is the national role that our young women will play. However, it must be emphasised that “WOMEN ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM MEN,” and as such, they need to be guided in a way that aligns with their abilities and nature.
With this, we do not mean to suggest that we should close all doors to our women! Not at all! We have seen that many women have contributed to all fields of knowledge: ART AND SCIENCE. Let us clarify: it would be a crime to attempt to direct women solely towards intellectual pursuits, neglecting her primary mission in life: TO BE A MOTHER. Women must be convinced, once and for all, that above all else, they must be GOOD MOTHERS.
Fascism, while preserving the quality of women as GOOD MOTHERS to an unbounded extent, has also incorporated women into the framework of national life. It has enabled them, within this framework, to channel all their passion and tireless will to actively participate in the life of the Nation. According to Mussolinian principles, women should enter political life as an element of strength and action. In the event of war, all the forces of the Nation, including women, can be mobilised, as per an existing law. As for women, they can engage in various roles such as “PRODUCTION”, “THE RED CROSS”, “ASSISTANCE”, etc. In other words, women too can fulfil various duties for the benefit of the Nation.
By embracing this spiritual revival, Albania will eradicate the mentality of Asian arrogance down to its roots, and in its place, the unparalleled virtues of the early Albanian women will be rediscovered. The qualities of courage and self-sacrifice, which shone so magnificently in the Albanian amazon, will come to light. In the young fascist woman, the following melody will be reflected in the radiant faces of all Albanian women:
“Like the faeries of the great mountains,
Like the banner that leads the warriors.”
In the heart of the young Albanian woman, the spirit of the courageous warrior, the martyred heroine of the nation, the ardent lover of her homeland, and the well-wisher of her people will be rekindled. When this happens, Albania will secure its determined and powerful march towards the light of true civilisation because the woman will have fulfilled her patriotic mission. Only when she reaches this level and plays this role can the Albanian woman rightfully be proud, knowing she has written a brilliant page in history and left an indelible mark in the spiritual revival of her people. Future generations will remember with reverence the first efforts of the young fascist women, who, with their titanic zeal and true missionary fervour, strove to break the oppressive chains of centuries-old darkness that had overshadowed our minds and spirits. The souls that emerge from this darkness into the light will be forever grateful.
In Albanian Fascism, women will not be mere dolls, nor will they be playthings to satisfy and entertain the gaze of a tyrannical ruler of Sultan Hamid’s calibre. The Albanian woman, in this new reality, will be an active part—together with the man—forming the national totality. The Albanian fascist woman, with an ideal in her soul, a flame in her heart, and light in her mind, will march towards civilised horizons with a strong and swift rhythm: WITH A RHYTHM UNPRECEDENTED IN HISTORY.
THE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL OF OUR NATION REQUIRES SWIFT AND COMPREHENSIVE ACTION: IN THIS EFFORT, THE ALBANIAN WOMAN MUST BE THE PRIMARY COLLABORATOR.
6.4 — Hierarchy in the Mussolinian Sense
The mission of a hierarch must be lofty and noble, akin to that of a true apostle. His duty extends over a vast expanse: IT HAS NO BOUNDS. It is endless, just like the needs and desires of the people. The Fascist hierarch must take an active part in all sectors of life; within them, he must channel complete and perfect order and harmony.
I said that a hierarch must be an apostle of his mission, but he must also be a pioneer of duty and a hero of true social justice. The eyes of all the people are directed towards the hierarch; therefore, like a worthy father, he must bring joy where there are tears, comfort where there is despair, inspiration and unbreakable will where hope is lost, and justice where falsehood and deceit prevail. This is why the role of a Fascist hierarch is lofty and apostolic. Seen in this light, the true hierarch stands out with mathematical precision, contrasting sharply against ignorance, a conscience lacking awareness, and a will weakened by indolence.
Mussolini himself, the Duce of Fascism, desires that the hierarch embodies the living image of discipline, justice, and action. He is, in fact, the example to follow. His will is unbreakable, and his determination, driven by action aimed at the renewal of all the spiritual forces of the nation, is undeniable. It is solely through the fruits of his tireless efforts that the profound spirit of Roman civilised justice has been entirely revived in Fascist Italy.
A true and just hierarch, who deeply feels the profound responsibility of his duty, stands out above all others like the light of the sun. His actions must reflect his spirit; therefore, the results of this hierarch’s work will undoubtedly be valuable—certainly good and just—because he follows not only the path of reason, which is essential, but also the path of the heart, which is the path of a pure conscience.
A task that is undertaken requires sacrifice: the hierarch must possess this spirit of selflessness. The completion of any endeavour also demands courage; courage is essential, as no goal can be achieved without it. A hierarch must not lack initiative, the spirit of organisation, or a deep conviction to see the project through to its fulfilment.
The hierarch must be free from bureaucratic thinking and from the ostentatious, apathetic trappings of the East. Today, in the new Albanian reality in which we live, we must have a thorough understanding of our own community, which seeks to be guided along progressive paths. Therefore, our work must be for the people: TOWARDS THE PEOPLE. This is the motto of Fascism: a truth that is undeniable. This is what the Mussolinian ideal demands from the Albanian Hierarch.
You cannot impose your will on others if you yourself are without conscience. You cannot demand discipline when you are unruly yourself. Therefore, Fascism insists that discipline must come from the top, from the highest-ranking hierarch to the lowest. THE HIERARCH MUST BE AN EXAMPLE OF DISCIPLINE AND JUSTICE. Only a disciplined hierarch has the right to demand strict discipline; only a conscientious hierarch can combat injustice; only a convinced hierarch can inspire others with his own ideals. Otherwise, all efforts are in vain and yield no results.
The apostolic hierarch must go where ignorance prevails and spread rays of knowledge. He should delve deep into the huts, to listen to the pure beatings of hearts that languish silently, completely unheard, with no one to notice their cries or complaints. It is there that all efforts should be directed: the work will be done with a clear conscience and will serve the good of the people, which is the ideal of Fascism.
The New Albania, reborn under the symbols of the Lictor, needs such hierarchs: righteous and honest hierarchs, apostolic and pioneering hierarchs, heroic and courageous hierarchs. Fascist Albania demands hierarchs of the Mussolinian ideal: it is the very tide of history that imposes this new light upon Albania.
6.5 — Invaluable Friendship or Heavy Enmity
The middle path is not permitted in anything, especially in “FRIENDSHIP.” Friendship must either be genuinely supportive, sincere, and invaluable, or it must be the opposite: extreme enmity. Double-faced politicians, those who try to benefit from both sides in “FRIENDSHIP” and “IDEOLOGY,” will find no grazing ground.
Some talented artist-politicians, some ideological acrobats, try to peddle soap bubbles: with words full of “pathos” and grand, servile expressions, they attempt to sell themselves as new idealists and friends of the heart; but their false friendship cannot be accepted. It cannot be accepted as long as it remains mere empty words. True friendship is proven through actions and sacrifices; as the saying goes: “gold is tested by fire — a friend is understood in times of peril.”
Friendship cannot be bought with words! Words alone would remain mere theory, whereas what serves society and community is PRACTICE: it is the transformation of words and thoughts into constructive actions that are valuable and beneficial for the good of the Ideology and, consequently, for the good of the people. Thus, FRIENDSHIP, outside of this framework, is condemnable and considered suspicious. False and deceitful friends are like scorpions within society, who, when surrounded by fire on all sides and faced with an inescapable danger threatening their lives, poison themselves and die. THIS IS THE FATE THAT AWAITS THE FALSE FRIENDS OF THE FASCIST IDEOLOGY.
It often happens that some people, due to their lack of understanding of the Ideal and the new spirit enveloping our world, fall victim to their own ignorance. We must pay attention to these individuals and guide them towards the path of truth. We should treat them as we would a blind person who, merely because they cannot see, collides with us by shoulder or chest. In such cases, it would be a humane duty to take their hand and lead them towards the true path of salvation. It is a sacred duty to heal wounded souls—spiritual invalids—by healing them with the IDEAL.
Often, a person becomes resentful simply because they don't know the path ahead that they must follow. They wander, shrouded in confusion, lacking the true light. But by showing them the right path and new horizons, they become good, valuable, and conscientious. This is as far as we go! On the contrary, if even after this guidance they continue along the wrong path, remaining on the other side of the river, there is no hope for improvement. When a person remains a "wolf" in that state, they must be removed because they are a dangerous element for society.
“Oh, the precious friendship — oh, the heavy enmity.” We must choose one of the two! Choose it and state it openly! Fascism, first and foremost, demands sincerity: to look the other person straight in the eye, without evading the word, without dodging the thought.
Someone may harbour the illusion that they can deceive others by presenting themselves as a loyal friend. They employ all their devilish talent: the servile talent of hypocrisy and demagoguery. But they are blindly mistaken! Servility may deceive a single individual, but it can never deceive an IDEOLOGY, especially not the FASCIST IDEOLOGY, where servility is seen as degeneration. Moreover, master deceivers are easily recognised within any ideology, as a true and convinced fascist has developed the highest degree of self-sacrifice. Thus, when the need arises, they are the first to volunteer, to take up arms and head into the trenches. Meanwhile, the “FALSE” fascist, the fascist for “SHOW,” tucks their tail between their legs and vanishes!
The true and disciplined fascist values life as long as they “live it dangerously.” The bourgeois lifestyle, the comfort of armchairs, and the pursuit of salaries do not disturb their spirit. A true fascist knows that the future of themselves and their country will be what they create with their own hands and their own strength. They have an unquenchable fascist fervour, a passionate and unwavering belief in victory, and are convinced that without sacrifice, no crown of triumph can be achieved.
There are two opposing worlds: the true fascist and the false fascist; a world of action and a world of indolence. Therefore: EITHER FRIENDSHIP OR ENMITY. Choose one of the two! If it is to be friendship, then let it be the strong, unwavering, and steadfast friendship of Albanian honour. False, hypocritical, and deceitful friendship—two-faced and political—is not accepted in FASCISM.
6.6 — Patriots and Pseudopatriots
The meanings of “patriot” and “patriotism” had, in recent times, been so degraded that an honest and respectable citizen would feel ashamed to be called a “PATRIOT.” This name had been attributed to people with the most negative qualities: it had become the legitimate property of bandits, thieves, troublemakers, fraudsters, and hypocrites. These despised types were the ones who, with their blood-stained hands, had seized the pure flag of Albanian Patriotism. Meanwhile, the true patriots—who had shed tears, sweat, and blood for this land—were oppressed by the ambitious tyrant, exiled from their homeland, and, even worse, persecuted in prisons.
“Oh, Albania, my Albania, one and only Albania!”
Vaso Pasha Shkodrani’s poem has never been more relevant than during the Zogollian reign — not even during the tyranny of the Turks! The entire Albanian people were bewildered by hunger and misery, not knowing what to do! A few educated individuals were indulging in pleasures and decadence, having memorised a few formulas of compliments and praise, and with this knowledge and preparation, suitable for cabaret gatherings, they were attempting to lead the Albanian people towards the light of civilisation. Patriotism was an empty endeavour! It was only useful when it could secure some “ONE-TIME REWARD” or a rather generous “PENSION” for those who exploited it.
We have our homeland, and we will always have it. Now, if we are truly patriots, if we sincerely love our country, then let us love it — no one is stopping us. But we must love it through actions. Let us show our love by working for its good, not just loving it with empty words, showing off, or constantly criticising one another. There’s nothing easier than sitting in a café, legs crossed, blowing clouds of cigarette smoke, and pretending to be wise and patriotic about our “Homeland” and our “Nation”.
What a damaging and misguided concept!
They do not make the homeland strong or great, nor can they ensure life: neither the mountains nor the plains, neither the homes nor the roads, but only one thing: genuine love and a sincere commitment to the development of the nation as a whole.
Today, although the economic problem in Albania has fortunately somewhat resolved, we should not stop at mere material well-being. Let us go further: towards the spiritual issues of the nation and its moral awakening. We must completely eliminate some fatal prejudices and become like the flower that feels the light and warmth, opening its petals before them. Let us also turn towards the light of Rome and from there absorb the warm spirit of true civilization with delight.
Pseudopatriots of past eras, covered in the shame of history, must be replaced by true and conscious patriots. Patriots who will adopt the motto “work for the good of the people.”
One should not be romantic about the concept of “FREEDOM.” Ultimately, even the miserable freedom we had, with empty stomachs, was not “FREEDOM” but merely a smokescreen! Fascism guarantees the freedom to act and the freedom of conscience, but, of course, freedom should not be understood in an absolute sense, as that leads to a dangerous rebellion: THIS ACTION IS NOT ALLOWED IN FASCISM, AND NOT ONLY IS IT NOT PERMITTED, BUT IT IS ALSO PUNISHABLE!
It is necessary for all our energies to concentrate under the Fascist Ideology: under the Idea that guarantees the FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE of the nation, under the Idea that is the personification of the people. Fascist orders must resonate deeply within our souls: only then can we achieve new effects. The country seeks retribution today—today, it demands recognition for its martyrized sons: HISTORY IS NOT CREATED BY ITSELF, BUT REQUIRES PIONEERS, HEROES, AND MARTYRS. Heroes and martyrs will always be in short supply until a profound renewal occurs in our minds and hearts: BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO WILL UNDERSTAND THIS FIRST.
6.7 — A Psychological and Historical Reality
The centuries-long Turkish rule did not manage to influence our race, but it did affect our spirit. Generally, the mentality of our people is thoroughly oriental. This fact cannot be denied, no matter how much we might want to convince ourselves otherwise. Indolence is deeply rooted within us: we are extremely fond of sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat, drinking coffee and smoking, engaging in idle chatter and telling anecdotes.
The Albanian worker — with few exceptions — when he earns 10 lekë in a day, doesn’t work for the next three days! Because the 10 lekë he has earned are enough to buy some curd and about six okë of corn bread. Only when his money runs out does he go back to work again…
Our manager — as soon as he arrives at the office, the first thing he does is greet his colleagues, asking them how they’ve slept and if they’ve had any bad dreams! Then, little by little, he orders a coffee with fresh water, sits back in his chair, legs crossed, and starts chatting. He usually shows an interest in international politics, wondering whether the Maginot-Siegfried lines will be breached!
The school student goes to class with great reluctance. He loathes it immensely! A school takes a week’s break. After the break, the school reopens. On the first day of lessons, suddenly, an announcement is made that, due to reason X, classes are cancelled. At that moment, cheers and shouts erupt within the school walls as if the doors of a prison have been flung open and the prisoners set free!
The Albanian farmer, when he starts working the land, does so with reluctance and only scratches its surface: he ploughs merely 20 centimetres deep and then sows the seeds. Now, such work in agriculture, naturally, yields a meagre crop and, most often, nothing at all.
This is the Albanian reality.
We have the enemy at home — and a dangerous enemy who prevents us from developing, who holds us back: and, for us, underdevelopment and stagnation are death. Today, all nations are ignited by their powerful activities. We have no more time to wait! We were worn down under centuries of subjugation! Later, for fifteen consecutive years of the miserable freedom we enjoyed, not a single effort was made to instil in us the spirit of work. In fact, it seems that they deliberately tried to increase the lethargy of the death-dealing Oriental mentality.
Now, we can no longer remain this way! Even if we wanted to, we simply cannot stay stagnant anymore! We must move forward, whether we like it or not. We won’t be allowed to continue acting against the current of history and time. It will not be permitted, in any way, for us to stand as a thorny bush in the middle of a blooming and beautiful garden.
We are all aware of the energy and dynamism of the Fascist style. It is with this dynamic spirit that Fascism defends centuries-old and global civilisation. At this moment, we are like a heavy stone within a turbulent river. Its powerful current will naturally move us and carry us forward. Albania will advance towards new and bright horizons: Fascism will elevate us to the level and dignity of the century in which we live.
World history—an infallible teacher of life—shows us how the Roman people never possessed the spirit of oppressors or violators of the freedom of other nations; they had only the spirit of protectors and civilisers: it is in this spirit that they also set foot on Albanian soil.
Albanian history shows us how, from the earliest times and throughout all the subsequent centuries, right up to our present day, the Romans and the Albanians have always been united in life and death. This is a strong and unbreakable fateful bond.
Thus, for the sake of national love, for the sake of the Albanian people who suffered from hunger and were oppressed disgracefully, and in revenge for the great Albanians: HONEST ALBANIANS SOUGHT THE HELP OF FASCIST ITALY TO SAVE THE NATION FROM THE DIVISION AND RUIN THAT WAS APPROACHING DAY BY DAY.
Due to time constraints, I couldn’t write a decent summary that didn’t sound overly morose, so instead, I’ll fill this space with a dreadful travel review. Never visit Tallinn. I had the displeasure of spending three days there, and it was truly awful. However, the blame doesn’t lie with the people or the city itself, but rather with the dining experience and the baffling frequency of encountering Indians. Not even in Hamburg, Milan, or Vienna did I encounter this issue. I was aware Estonia had a large IT sector, but this wasn’t what I thought that meant.
