Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic Party’s Parliamentary group, responded to President Begaj’s call for consultations, labeling it “political theater.”

“Bajram Begaj’s invitation is unworthy of any consideration and does not even deserve a response. Unfortunately, Albania does not have a President of the Republic who fulfills his constitutional role, but rather a minister without portfolio in the service of Edi Rama,” wrote Bardhi.

According to him, Albanians are out in the public squares demanding, among other things, guarantees for free and fair elections.

“If Albania would have a president who truly exercised his constitutional function, he would treat this issue as a democratic emergency and would seriously address the concerns that have been driving citizens to the squares for months,” he emphasized. Bardhi added that Begaj, “is serving those in power instead of protecting the institution he represents.”

On the other hand, the head of the Socialist Party’s Parliamentary group Taulant Balla highlighted the fact that, “Every President of the Republic has followed the same procedure, inviting political parties to consult on the date for the elections.”

Referring to Bardhi’s stance, Balla wrote: “But today, the ‘Molotov depot’—SHQUP (the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Albania)—has apparently broken with this tradition. I hope they come to their senses and participate in the local elections, which will take place sometime between April 15 and May 15, 2027. They have already tried the alternative in various ways—through boycotts, disputes over the party seal and so on..”

Furthermore, Balla stated that the Socialist Party confirms it will attend the consultations with President Begaj, regarding the date for the 2027 local elections.

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Begaj commended the Albanians in Montenegro as a constructive and pro-European force, acknowledging their contribution at both local and central levels to the country’s integration processes.

“It is always a pleasure to meet with Albanian representatives from Montenegro,” the president stated.

Begaj emphasized that Albanians in Montenegro serve as a strong bridge of friendship and connection between Albania and Montenegro. /p.s./

The decision was taken under the Constitution and the law governing the State Intelligence Service, the president’s office said.

Hyseni has been placed under house arrest and suspended from her duties by the Special Court for Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO).

The measure, requested by the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK), was issued as part of an investigation involving businessman Ergys Agasi in a case known as “AKSHI”.

Prosecutors suspect Hyseni of two criminal offences, aiding an alleged perpetrator and disclosing state secrets.

Rama, who is in the United States on an official visit, announced Hyseni’s immediate removal from office shortly after the court issued the measure.

“The innocence or guilt of a person placed under indictment is an individual matter before the prosecution and the court,” Rama said, adding that the government would not intervene in the merits of any judicial case or act as an advocate for anyone facing justice.

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In a social media post, Begaj stated that, “Appealing this decision is a powerful statement of integrity.”

“For Albanians, nothing and no one can tarnish the KLA. Freedom has a name,” wrote Begaj.

A Hague war crimes court sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi to 25 years in prison, while giving Kadri Veseli 18 years and Rexhep Selimi 13 years.

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This was the first visit by a President of the Republic of Albania to the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to further strengthening the Albania-UAE partnership with a forward-looking perspective.

The President of the Republic was received by the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the meeting, President Begaj thanked the United Arab Emirates for the solidarity and friendship shown to Albania and the Albanian people during difficult times—particularly during the war in Kosovo, following the 2019 earthquake and after the 2022 cyberattack.

The meeting reflected a shared will to further advance the agenda of strong and enduring cooperation between the two nations, as well as to harness real potential for expanding ties in areas of mutual interest.

President Begaj emphasized that political, economic, and people-to-people ties between Albania and the United Arab Emirates would be further strengthened, particularly with the opening of the UAE Embassy in Tirana. Economic cooperation and investments were among the key pillars of the discussions. Welcoming the strengthening of this partnership, President Begaj advocated for the expansion of bilateral investments and for greater engagement by Emirati investors in Albania—particularly in infrastructure, energy, innovation, tourism and other strategic sectors.

The presidents of the two countries also discussed multilateral cooperation and international challenges, noting that Albania and the United Arab Emirates share common priorities regarding peace, security and development.

During his visit to the United Arab Emirates, President Begaj also held meetings with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, as well as with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Chairman of the Presidential Court. /p.s./

In a reaction on social networks, Begaj expressed his honor for the victims and solidarity with the families and relatives of the victims.

“A quarter-century later, September 11 remains etched in our collective memory. For America and its allies, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of hatred. In the years since, America has demonstrated its resilience, proving to the world that its spirit cannot be broken,” the president wrote.

The Head of State also reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to promote international cooperation and build a safer and more peaceful world for future generations. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

The Head of State was present at the service held at the Oslo Cathedral after a solemn procession starting from the Royal Palace, which was attended by monarchs and leaders from all over the world.

After paying homage, the president expressed his heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Haakon VIII, the Royal Family and the people of Norway on the passing of King Harald V.

“King Harald V devoted his life to Norway and its people. As a steady symbol of unity, continuity, and shared values, he earned the deep respect and enduring affection of his citizens.

I expressed my condolences and those of the Albanian people to the Royal Family and the Norwegian people, honoring the memory of King Harald V and his precious contribution to the service of his country”, Begaj praised. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

President Begaj stated that even when there are differences, the parties must be able to work together for what is in the interest of the country.

“Political mandates and beliefs are different, but the responsibility towards Albania is shared. I hope that this Parliamentary session will be a period of cooperation in the service of Albania and all its citizens: a session that brings Albania closer to the European Union, that strengthens institutions, that strengthens citizens’ trust in politics and the state”, the Head of State said in his message.

President Begaj considered opening of the new Parliamentary session “a moment to reflect on the results, to identify priority challenges and to plan future work in a more effective and institutional way”.

“Present-day Albania is a country with great ambitions and a society that participates more and more in public life. Citizens are expressing their expectations, concerns and demands more openly. This is part of the vitality of a democratic society and an indicator that our democracy continues to develop”, said Begaj.

In this sense, the president emphasized that peaceful protest and free expression of opinions are a natural part of democratic life.

“We will not always have the same stance and not every request can find the same response. It is encouraging when the voice of citizens finds space in the public debate and receives the attention of institutions. Our common challenge is that this civic energy and this institutional commitment nourish a dialogue that strengthens trust and helps in finding the best solutions”, said the Head of State.

According to Begaj, a consolidated democracy is not defined by the absence of differences, on the contrary, it is distinguished by the way it copes with them.

“Political differences coexist with democracy and the Assembly is the place where they should be expressed, debated and confronted with arguments. Citizens have high expectations of the Assembly for the quality of debate, political language, lawmaking and the level of representation.

The Assembly should be the institution where citizens see that Parliamentary decision-making brings concrete solutions: a representative, functional and accountable Assembly”, he added.

Also, Begaj stressed that Albania’s long-term interests require a vision beyond the divisions of the day.

“National security, the rule of law, economic development and the well-being of citizens, the strategic partnership with the United States of America and the European Union, the fight against organized crime and corruption, elections and territorial reform, as well as the country’s European future require continuity and a sense of responsibility that unites all political forces”, said the president.

Focusing on the European integration process, Begaj stressed that, “In this project, everyone can make their due contribution”.

According to the Head of State, the European Union is not just a diplomatic destination or a political objective. “For our citizens, it is related to trust in reforms, to the quality of institutions and to the certainty that the law is applied to all. The reforms that help us enter the European Union are reforms that make Albania more democratic, fairer, more social, more functional and prouder of its citizens”, said Begaj.

On this journey, Begaj highlighted the consolidation of the justice reform, which according to him, “remains one of the most important responsibilities of the Albanian state”.

“The results of SPAK are one of its most important achievements. The reform must achieve efficient justice, with European standards and that is felt in the lives of citizens. An independent, impartial and integrity-based justice is, first and foremost, a guarantee for the citizen”, he added. /a.f/p.s./

President Begaj wished the Ambassador success in her duty as Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, appreciating the key role of this institution in developing relations between Tirana and Brussels and in supporting the European integration process of Albania.

The Head of State expressed confidence that the cooperation between Albanian institutions and the EU Delegation in Tirana will continue to strengthen, with the aim of achieving Albania’s strategic objective of full membership in 2030.

President Begaj appreciated the political, financial and technical support of the European Union for the sweeping reforms in Albania, emphasizing that the EU Delegation in Tirana is a trusted partner and an important collaborator in this process.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed on progress of the accession negotiations and Albania’s commitment to meet European reforms and standards.

President Begaj underlined that Albania has entered an advanced and dynamic phase of the integration process, demonstrating unwavering political and social will, as well as institutional readiness to continue fulfilling the obligations of membership.

The Head of State assessed the justice reform as one of the most important evidence of Albania’s determination to meet European standards, despite the challenges of the process.

He reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen the independence and integrity of justice institutions, as well as to intensify the fight against corruption through the independent and politically impartial other justice structures.

The president also reaffirmed that membership in the European Union is a national objective, widely supported by Albanian society, underlining that the involvement of the entire society in this process is one of the factors that pushes Albania to move faster towards the finalization of the membership process.

“Albania is committed to fulfilling its strategic objective of membership in the European Union in 2030. The involvement of the entire Albanian society in the fulfillment of this ambition and its enthusiasm for this process are a feature that differentiates us and encourages us to work even harder to achieve this objective”, said President Begaj.

During the meeting, there was highlighted Albania’s full harmonization with the Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union, as a clear evidence of the country’s strategic orientation and its commitment to common European values ​​and policies.

In conclusion, President Begaj expressed his confidence that Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa will make an important contribution to the advancement of Albania-EU relations and the country’s European journey.

Referring to the Ambassador, the President expressed his belief that, by the end of her mandate, Albania will have joined the European Union. /m.m/a.f/p.s./

During the meeting, the president praised Belgium’s decision to open its first resident embassy in Tirana.

The interlocutors reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, driven by shared European values, active political dialogue and robust cooperation within the NATO and global organizations.

Begaj praised Belgium’s continued support for Albania’s European integration process, emphasizing that for Albania, integration into the European Union remains a priority.

The Head of State assured Ambassador Cogen of the support of the Institution of the President and Albanian institutions in the successful accomplishment of her diplomatic mission in Albania. /m.q/j.p/p.s./