TIRANA, Oct. 15 /ATA/ – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi on Thursday announced a one-week postponement of the plenary session scheduled for that day, citing the situation in Albania and the need to prevent further escalation of tensions.
In a statement, Peleshi said the decision was intended to ensure parliament could resume its work in a calm environment and allow lawmakers to fulfil their constitutional and legal duties, as the country faced acts of violence targeting state institutions, public property and private businesses.
He also referred to information from law enforcement agencies about potential scenarios that, he said, could threaten public order, security and peace.
“Today, every public official, political party, non-profit organisation, representative of the academic and business communities, and every responsible citizen of this country must appeal to reason and to our national instinct for peace,” Peleshi said.
The speaker stressed that despite political differences and competing interests, Albanians shared a common national interest: their country.
He said students and young people had the right to demand more from institutions, have their voices heard and take part in discussions about Albania’s future.
“Our students will be the first generation of Albanians to enter working life as Europeans, as part of the great European Union family. That is why the recent acts of violence, arson and looting, which are deliberately being attributed to them, are causing great harm to us all,” he said.
Peleshi described European integration as a process requiring shared responsibility and commitment, warning that tensions and violence could undermine Albania’s path towards EU membership.
Referring to geopolitical developments and the situation in the Western Balkans, he said Albania should not become an obstacle to its own integration process.
Peleshi also called for restraint and reflection, particularly to protect minors and high school students from involvement in violence.
He urged citizens and political forces, regardless of affiliation, to unite in protecting children and safeguarding the country’s future.
“Children are a country’s highest priority. The way they are educated today will determine what Albania becomes tomorrow,” Peleshi said.
The speaker called for dialogue and constructive debate, urging all sides to sit down and discuss Albania’s future without losing sight of their shared national interest.
“Let us sit down. Let us talk, discuss and debate the future, never forgetting that, above all, we are all Albanians,” he said.
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