President Begaj’s Message to the Albanian Parliament on the Opening of the New Parliamentary Session
The new parliamentary session opens today at a time I would describe as filled with hopes and expectations.
We Albanians have shown that we can achieve results when we unite and focus our efforts. The completion of the legal framework to enable the Diaspora’s vote in the upcoming elections is a milestone and a testament to our shared will and responsibility.
Meanwhile, as the parliamentary mandate nears its end, the time to assess our achievements and successes, as well as our shortcomings and failures, is approaching.
This new September, both the image and performance of the Parliament are essential for our Parliament to be an inspiring arena of civic confrontation, where diverse voices engage in fruitful dialogue.
Our country’s journey toward consolidating democracy has been challenging.
Yet, on the eve of the 112th anniversary of the Albanian state and the 33rd anniversary of pluralism, the issue of political dialogue in the country and in this sacred space of democracy must remain a priority. Here, in this Parliament, the seeds of our collective growth should be sown and flourish through civic and democratic dialogue among political forces, different thoughts, and positions.
Honored deputies,
The calendar of integration reforms is packed, and the tasks ahead are significant and require continuous commitment. The Parliament must focus its legislative efforts on our main national objective: European Union membership.
This requires timely fulfillment of the legal measures included in the National Plan for European Integration. Beyond this plan, there are a series of other initiatives that need to be explored and addressed by parliamentary committees and then by the Parliament itself. In this context, I bring to your attention the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as the need for improvement of the existing legislation.
Allow me to emphasize that legislative initiatives should be based on the real concerns of our citizens and various sectors such as the economy, healthcare, justice, education, environment, and social justice, among others.
Concrete legal steps need to be taken in regulating the use of artificial intelligence, ensuring our citizens are as protected as they are supported in its use.
Other laws await improvement, and in this direction, parliamentary vigilance and control must be at the highest level. We must ensure that every law passed aligns with the citizens’ interests and the highest democratic standards. This requires a joint commitment and continuous efforts to ensure that the Parliament remains dedicated and fulfills its supervisory role, guarantees the balance of powers, and protects the interests of the people. This moment demands maturity, professionalism, patriotism, and a deep sense of responsibility toward our citizens.
Honored deputies,
An issue that relates as much to European integration as it does to the country’s development is the fight against corruption and organized crime, a perennial refrain in every speech.
The Parliament must fully support the justice reform, our justice institutions, and law enforcement agencies by strengthening their financial, human, and infrastructure capacities.
I encourage the Parliament to promote anti-crime and anti-corruption policy as a real confrontation with a malady that must be combated at every level and every area of this corrosive phenomenon to the economy and a threat to democracy.
Honored deputies,
The responsibilities mentioned above go beyond our European agenda. They are necessary for Albania to navigate smoothly and maintain its course in a global world full of diverse challenges, such as security, social, and cultural challenges.
They require us to continually update our strategies and legal frameworks to adapt to geopolitical changes and rapid technological developments.
Climate threats and, particularly, cyber threats demand our immediate and ongoing attention.
As we approach a new election year, I call on you to exercise your mandate responsibly in this direction.
Honored deputies,
Albanians are present worldwide, excelling in various fields, from technology to art. Our nation is increasingly represented by individuals whose work, effort, and achievements shine internationally and make us proud.
Albania is a country that triumphs despite difficulties, a land blessed with natural beauty and a radiant Mediterranean and European human nature.
In these times when the sacrifices of generations are turning into support for new generations, transforming various global and regional challenges into opportunities for our country, it is essential for the parliament to become the main ally in our country’s progress.
Let’s turn this space into the Parliament of the finest Albanian ideas and the richest democratic confrontation in the region.
I wish you success in the new parliamentary year!