A resignation against the system

2026-06-12 11:34:00, Opinione Luçiano Boçi

The resignation of the rector of the University of Shkodra, Tonin Gjuraj, is a serious signal for the state of university autonomy in the country.

His departure is an act of protest against political interference and pressures that begin with the Godfather of the Butrint and now University scandals, continue with the Bennett of the gangs, and end with the intellectually corrupt Apple of the Board of Administration.

These interventions and pressures are distorting the functioning of higher education institutions while Albania must fulfill the obligations of chapters 25 and 26 of integration, where special attention is paid to university autonomy.

Rector Gjuraj has sounded the alarm that academic decision-making has been replaced by political decision-making, that the Board of Administration is acting outside the law, and that university autonomy has been openly violated.

When an academic with integrity, an international career, and a transformative vision like Prof. Gjuraj is forced to say "enough is enough" in the face of illegal interference, ministerial arrogance, a politicized Board of Administration, and decisions that violate the law, we are dealing with a state scandal and a criminal act.

The Board of Administration, which was supposed to be a guarantor of transparency and professionalism, has turned with the blessing of Kumbaro and Beneti into an instrument of political pressure. The appointment of the administrator without legal basis, the preferential payment of honoraria, the ignoring of the rector's requests, the discriminatory postponement of retirement, are not administrative errors, but systematic violations that aim to subjugate the University of Shkodra under political power.

Prof. Gjuraj stated a historical truth that "The Rector is temporary, the Board is temporary, but the University is and remains permanent."

This determination should become a national call, because Universities are not political fiefdoms.

They are not a place to appoint militants and distribute favors.

They are temples of knowledge, free and independent.

Shkodra and Albania deserve free universities, not occupied ones. Prof. Gjuraj stood up with dignity against Rama's policy that has chosen to stifle the free Albanian mind.

University autonomy is not a luxury, but a condition for national development. Whoever violates it, violates the future of Albania.

"Luigj Gurakuqi" University is a precious diamond for Shkodra.

Its citizens, students and professors will know how to react to show solidarity with this civic and academic act of Prof. Gjuraj.

Injustices deserve a response that Shkodra has always known how to give you!/ CNA