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Albanian President Bajram Begaj called on political parties and state institutions to work together on national priorities as the country opened a new parliamentary session, saying political differences should be addressed through dialogue and debate rather than division.
In a message to lawmakers and citizens, Begaj said the start of the new session was an opportunity to assess progress, identify key challenges and improve the effectiveness of institutional work.
“Political differences coexist with democracy, and parliament is the place where they should be expressed, debated and confronted with arguments,” Begaj said.
He said Albanian citizens had growing expectations of parliament in terms of the quality of political debate, legislation and representation, urging lawmakers to make the legislature more functional, representative and accountable.
Begaj also highlighted the importance of peaceful protest and freedom of expression, describing them as natural elements of democratic life.
“It is encouraging when the voice of citizens finds space in public debate and receives the attention of institutions,” he said, calling for dialogue that could turn civic engagement into practical solutions.
EU integration remains a national project
Begaj said Albania’s European path and Euro-Atlantic orientation remained clear strategic choices, describing European Union integration as a national project requiring continuity, cooperation and shared responsibility.
“The European journey is a national project, a profound process of social change that requires continuity, cooperation and shared responsibility,” he said.
The president called for a long-term vision extending beyond day-to-day political divisions and identified national security, the rule of law, economic development, citizens’ welfare, the fight against organised crime and corruption, elections and territorial reform among Albania’s key priorities.
He also stressed the importance of Albania’s strategic partnerships with the United States and the European Union.
For Albanian citizens, Begaj said, EU membership was not simply a diplomatic or political objective but was closely linked to confidence in reforms, the quality of institutions and equal application of the law.
Justice reform and SPAK
Begaj said consolidating Albania’s justice reform remained one of the country’s most important institutional responsibilities and singled out the work of the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) as one of its major achievements.
He said the reform should ultimately deliver an efficient justice system based on European standards and capable of having a tangible impact on citizens’ lives.
“An independent, impartial and integrity-based justice system is, above all, a guarantee for the citizen,” Begaj said.
He also called on the parliamentary majority to turn political commitments into results and on the opposition to provide effective oversight and alternatives.
Independent institutions, civil society, universities, the media, business, young people and the Albanian diaspora also had an important role to play in the country’s European integration process, he said.
“Shared responsibility for Albania”
Concluding his message, Begaj urged lawmakers to put the country’s long-term interests above political divisions.
“Albania has important objectives and many opportunities ahead. To make use of them, we need cooperation, commitment, dialogue and the belief that, even when we disagree, we are capable of working together in the country’s interest,” he said.
“Political mandates and beliefs are different, but responsibility towards Albania is shared,” Begaj said.
He expressed hope that the new parliamentary session would strengthen institutions, restore citizens’ confidence in politics and the state, and bring Albania closer to the European Union.
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