TIRANA, June 9 /ATA/ President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, participated on Monday in the Conference of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Central and Eastern Europe.
In attendance of this conference, organized by the High Court of the Republic of Albania in partnership with the CEELI Institute, were judges representing high courts of the United States and the chief justices of the high courts of Central and Eastern Europe.
In his remarks, the President of the Republic highlighted the significant responsibility borne by high court judges, underscoring their role as guardians of justice, upholding the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms, and fostering public confidence in the judicial system. “Fulfilling this role demands professionalism, integrity, and a profound sense of public duty,” the President affirmed.
The Head of State emphasized that the role of the judiciary becomes even more crucial as the societies of our countries face a wide range of challenges—challenges that require not only legal solutions but also an approach that reflects our shared democratic values.
President Begaj emphasized the importance of safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, stating that “it is not a privilege or the exclusive right of a position, but the foundation of democracy, a guarantee of impartial judgment, and an essential condition for a justice system that serves the citizens. Independence means autonomy in judgment, not detachment from responsibility and accountability. It is the freedom to make fair and objective decisions, free from any political or financial interference,” he stressed.
In his speech, the Head of State also focused on two fundamental principles that ensure the credibility, fairness, and effectiveness of the judicial system—transparency and accountability.
According to the Head of State, “They are the other side of the coin of judicial independence—together, they ensure the standards of justice.”
President of the Republic once again reiterated his support for justice reform, the independence of the new justice institutions, and their efforts to protect individual rights and the public interest, to end the culture of impunity, and to fight corruption and organized crime. “I support the results achieved so far by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and the Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Court (GJKKO). These results have earned them the status of the most trusted public institutions in the country,” the President reaffirmed his stance in support of their work.
At the conclusion of his speech, President Begaj reaffirmed his support for all professionals in Albania’s judicial system, encouraging them to continue their work with professionalism, independence, and integrity.
/sm/
