President Bajram Begaj Participates in the Graduation Ceremony of the Albanian School of Political Studies
President Bajram Begaj attended the graduation ceremony of the students of the Albanian School of Political Studies, a program that has been aiding in education for good governance and democracy since 2007.
In his address, President Begaj congratulated the 2024 cohort of the school, which included representatives from various political forces, central and local administrations, civil society, and media.
He highlighted the school’s contribution to developing a new leadership elite. “The Albanian School of Political Studies provides an in-depth, comprehensive education that integrates the art of policymaking with legal knowledge and international relations, blending Albanian and international experiences, as well as professional experience with theoretical concepts and the standards we must uphold,” the President stated during his speech.
“This school is a place where the political culture that our country needs is built—a culture that avoids harsh rhetoric and eliminates division, a culture where tolerance, respect, understanding, and dialogue prevail in the service of the national interest. Our society still has much to learn about the principles of healthy political debate. Ideas and different alternatives must be confronted to compete, not just to overthrow each other,” President Begaj emphasized.
From this meeting, the President shared several messages concerning politics, the Albanian societal elite, and the advancement of the journey towards European Union membership.
“Our society still has much to learn about the principles of a healthy political debate. Ideas and different alternatives should face off to compete, not merely to defeat each other,” declared President Begaj, emphasizing that “Albania needs a new spirit, a new social and political engagement where ideas are confronted with arguments, and opponents are seen as fellow competitors.”
“The path of Albania towards EU membership is not merely a political issue but a profound transformation of how we govern, how we build institutions, and how we think about the future,” President Begaj stated, calling for continuous efforts in defending democracy and the rule of law and strengthening institutions, viewing these as processes that also fulfill the aspirations of Albanians for full EU membership.
“European Albania is linked not only to full membership in the European Union but also to the ongoing effort to consolidate democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development. Democracy is not a monument that is built once and remains so. It is a daily effort that, through engagement, transparency, and accountability of the three powers, ensures the respect of individual liberties and rights, guarantees social justice and fair competition, and encourages civic inclusion.
The rule of law is not just about the performance of justice institutions. It directly involves the strict respect and enforcement of the law by institutions at all levels, central or local, by every leader and public servant, by every citizen,” the President added.
Also, President Begaj emphasized the need for leaders with sensitivity and a clear vision for the priorities of Albania’s future: “As a state and society, we still need better quality democratic education, a deeper legal culture, and stronger institutions. Albania needs new and visionary politicians and decision-makers, not just young in age but also in ideas and energy, for new political models. As a state and society, we need to refocus our attention on knowledge for a new, competitive elite. Albania needs capable experts and professionals who address challenges and provide solutions for the reforms and issues within the EU accession negotiations.”
In this regard, President Begaj encouraged the newly graduated to contribute to a prosperous present and a soon-to-be Albania, a worthy member of the European family.
President Begaj thanked the Council of Europe for the support it has provided to Albania in its democratic journey, in strengthening institutions, and in educating a new generation of leaders.