Responding to a claim made by a student on a television program—who asserted that nothing has been done since 2018 or under the “Pact for the University”—Koçiu provided a summary of financial support for students via social media. She highlighted scholarships, tuition fee concessions and investments in university infrastructure.

Koçiu noted that 4,118 students receive scholarships for high academic achievement, while 4,648 students receive scholarships based on their family’s economic situation. Additionally, 434 high-achieving (“excellent”) students receive a monthly scholarship equivalent to the minimum wage.

Regarding financial relief, 10,152 students are exempt from tuition fees, while 27,050 students pay only 50% of the fee, with the remainder covered by the state.

For medical students, according to Koçiu, the state covers over 80% of the cost of their studies. She stated that over 4,000 graduates are now part of the public administration, while investments in university dormitories have exceeded 100 million euros.

Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu emphasized that the education budget has not been reduced, despite the challenges posed by the 2019 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis linked to the war.

Koçiu expressed her openness to a dialogue with students regarding further improvements to the “Pact for the University”—in response to their demands and needs—noting that the students themselves may choose the time and location for such a meeting.

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Koçiu noted that beyond its natural beauty, there are the local residents themselves who can transform Gjinar into an increasingly attractive destination for tourists through investments and the enrichment of the tourism offering.

“Gjinar has been blessed by nature, but there are its people who can transform it into an ever more appealing destination—with more businesses, more visitors and a richer tourism offering,” she stated.

According to her, the “Mountain Package” serves as an opportunity for any Albanian who views their ancestral land not merely as a heritage, but as a foundation for building new enterprises, creating jobs and fostering greater development and prosperity in the area.

“The 26 beneficiaries of the “Mountain Package” represent just the first step toward a new chapter for tourism and economic development in Gjinar,” Koçiu stated. /a.f/p.s./

She criticized the use of violence by the protesters and emphasized that dialogue is the path for those who have arguments.

“When an attempt to forcibly manufacture a ‘people’s revolution’ fails, one ends up as part of a violent gang—people who care neither for students nor for the future of Albania,” Koçiu wrote in the social media.

“Dialogue is the path for those who have arguments, whereas violence is the dead end for those who have nothing left to offer,” she stated. /e.xh/r.e/p.s./

“Even during the most challenging hours, the State Police are there—serving the citizens and ensuring public safety,” wrote Koçiu.

She highlighted that police officers are assisting citizens, the passersby and tourists with patience and professionalism by directing them toward safe routes and advising them to avoid problematic areas.

“Because behind every uniform is a human being who, even in the most difficult moments, has a duty to look after everyone’s safety,” appreciated Koçiu, as she extended her thanks and expressed gratitude to the State Police officers.

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During her visit to the Student City, Koçiu stated that, “A sanctuary of knowledge, dreams, and the future was shattered by fear and vandalism.”

Koçiu remarked that the events in Tirana over the past four days are unacceptable.

“Burned-down institutions, destroyed businesses, terrorized citizens and police officers under attack—this is not a student protest! Students do not destroy dormitories; they do not intimidate their peers and they do not commit acts of violence against schools or their own environment,” Koçiu emphasized.

Further on, the deputy prime minister reiterated, “We have stated from the very beginning that they deserve to be heard and that their demands deserve a response.”

“The state will protect its citizens, and every act of violence will be investigated thoroughly. Albania cannot be held hostage by violence, masked individuals and fear! We have overcome far greater challenges and we will overcome this one, as well. Albania has chosen its future—a future of development and membership in the European family,” emphasized Koçiu.

Minister Koçiu stated, “From here, I want to encourage the students living in these buildings to remain calm. I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all State Police officers and I urge everyone—please, cooperate; the State Police are there to ensure safety and public order.” /k.s/p.s./

Koçiu shared footage that shows young protesters hurling paving stones at the Ministry of Education.

“It’s sad to see protest culture degrade into staged violence—seemingly ‘incited’ by paving stones,” Koçiu said.

Koçiu emphasized that throwing stones, attacking state institutions and the police, and the senseless destruction of public property do not represent the voice of today’s youth; rather, they are the old tactics of those who exploit young people to mask their own political incompetence. /p.s./

In her remarks, Koçiu paid tribute to the victims of the attack and strongly condemned these acts of terror, emphasizing that there is no justification or alternative perspective for terrorism.

“Three years on from October 7, we remember the victims of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel—a barbaric act that claimed 1,200 innocent lives and shocked the entire world,” Koçiu stated.

She stressed that terrorism knows no borders and we must not remain silent in its face.

“Terrorism spares neither age, nation, nor innocence; therefore, it can never be minimized, justified, or met with silence,” Koçiu wrote.

Koçiu also emphasized that Albania stands with Israel and with all those who defend the right to live freely, in peace and in safety. “Albania stands with Israel and all those defending the right to live freely, in peace, and in safety. Today, more than ever, we must choose civilization over barbarism, freedom over fanaticism, and peace over terror. We choose life. We choose freedom. We choose peace,” wrote Koçiu. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

In a video message, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined the progress of the program, which provides small and medium-sized enterprises with financing opportunities to expand their operations, purchase equipment and increase production capacity.

“Ten days post-launch, the platform has captured 241 applications through e-Albania. Local banks are processing 222 of these requests, and 20 businesses have already received green lights for loan financing,” Koçiu said.

“Many businesses have the ideas and the drive to take the next step, but face difficulties in securing financing. Through this program, we aim to give them the opportunity to invest, grow and create new jobs,” she noted.

Koçiu also announced that a financing line of €250 million has been made available for the program, with the potential to expand to €1 billion. “Enterprises can secure financing of up to €2 million, with a preferential interest rate of 2–3% and up to 70% coverage via the Sovereign Guarantee, subject to application terms and bank assessments,” she emphasized.

Koçiu stated that, “Albanian entrepreneurs are showing a strong appetite for investment and growth.”

“Every investment made represents an opportunity for business growth, new jobs and increased income for Albanian families,” Koçiu said.

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In a social media post, Koçiu announced that the payment for 10,700 children with disabilities up to the age of 18—including blind children—has been doubled.

Koçiu emphasized that, “Starting October 1st, social and health insurance contributions will be covered for over 14,000 caregivers and personal assistants.”

“Many parents carry an unseen daily struggle, devoting their lives to their children’s care. Every act of support matters, but the truth remains: it is never enough,” Koçiu stated.

According to Koçiu, alongside financial support, there is also being expanded the provision of services directly to families, with the aim of giving children greater opportunities for development and helping families feel more secure. “We have made progress, but there is still much to be done. The goal we have set for ourselves is clear: for every child to have greater opportunities for development, for every family to feel more secure and for services to be ever closer to them,” she emphasized.

Koçiu stated that these policies support families and vulnerable groups to build a fairer Social Albania.

“This is the Social Albania we are building: closer to the people, fairer and more attentive to those in greatest need. Step by step, doing more and leaving no one behind,” Koçiu emphasized. /p.s./

In a post on social media, Koçiu stated that the history cannot rewrite our struggle for freedom; this legal fight is our final stand for national honor.

“The history of our freedom cannot be rewritten. Today, Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi face their final battle—defending our nation’s dignity against the absurd attempt to equate the oppressor with the liberator,” she wrote.

Koçiu emphasized that, “No matter how much they try to tarnish a people’s struggle for freedom, the light of that dawn can never be obscured. Freedom has a name.”

The Special Court in The Hague is expected to announce its first-instance verdict today regarding the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

They are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, including persecution, imprisonment, torture, murder and enforced disappearance.

All four have denied the charges. The prosecution has sought 45-year prison sentences for each, while the defense has called for their acquittal. /p.s./