100th anniversary of the Albanian Supreme Audit Office/ Shehu: We remain faithful to the constitutional mission for the interest of the state and Albanians

2025-05-20 13:18:00, Politikë CNA

100th anniversary of the Albanian Supreme Audit Office/ Shehu: We remain

This year coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Supreme State Audit Institution. In his speech on the occasion, the head of the Supreme State Audit Institution, Arben Shehu, highlighted the institution's journey and contribution to accountability and good governance.

From the Parliament's rostrum, Shehu stated that this anniversary represents a historic moment, not only for the SAI, but for the entire institutional development of modern Albania.

Shehu assured that the Supreme State Audit Office will remain faithful to its constitutional mission, in sync with the interest of the state and, in essence, of every Albanian.

"It is a special honor that today, in the premises of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, we celebrate together the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme State Audit Office, an institution that for a century has contributed to strengthening the culture of accountability and improving governance in the management of public finances.

This anniversary represents a historic moment not only for the SAI, but for the entire institutional development of modern Albania. Established in May 1925, at a crucial stage in the consolidation of the Albanian state, the Supreme State Audit Office has been present at every stage of the transformation of public administration.

Over the course of a century, it has operated under various historical and political conditions, from the period of monarchy, to the centralized post-war regime, to the phase of democratic transition after the 1990s. During this time, the institution has maintained its essential mission: overseeing the proper use of public funds.

Following the adoption of the 1998 Constitution and subsequent reforms, the SAI assumed a clear role as an independent constitutional body. It has been active in adapting auditing standards to more advanced models, as well as in increasing institutional accountability.

Membership in international organizations such as INTOSAI and EUROSAI, as well as regional cooperation, has helped in the professional development of auditors and in strengthening good practices, significantly increasing the quality of the institution's activities.

Honorable participants, this anniversary is also an opportunity to honor the dedication of the generations that have built this institution. Their contribution has left a valuable legacy for the fair and efficient administration of state finances. This legacy has helped build citizens' trust in state institutions in general, guaranteeing financial management that is based not only on efficiency, but above all on honesty, transparency and accountability.

Honorable participants, I would also like to express my deep gratitude to those of you who are among us today: representatives of supreme audit institutions from partner countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of the Albanian Parliament, heads of independent institutions and public administration, academics, representatives of universities, civil society organizations, our domestic and international institutional partners, and in particular representatives of the media, which in Albania has risen amidst difficulties to a truly institutional level and on behalf of the institution I would like to express a special gratitude. Your participation in this activity is not only an appreciation for the Supreme State Audit Office, but also a proof of support for the institutions of the Albanian state.

Distinguished guests, 100 years of history are not just a journey to commemorate, but a solid foundation to build the future. The Supreme State Audit Office will continue to improve professional capacities, adopt modern technologies, and stand for the benefit of our common interest.

This anniversary is not only a stopping point to evaluate our journey, but also a starting point for a new commitment to build a more responsible, more efficient and more honest future in the service of the Albanian citizen.

I want to assure you that the Supreme State Audit Office will remain faithful to its constitutional mission, in sync with the interest of the state and, at the core, of every Albanian. We will continue to protect the public interest and of every Albanian citizen, with commitment to the principles of the rule of law and good governance. I am convinced that our common path will continue with sustainable cooperation, mutual exchange and mutual support to build stronger institutions and at the same time a more accountable administration.

"I thank you once again for your presence today, for the appreciation you have given to this anniversary, and for the great support you continuously offer to the mission of the Supreme State Audit Office," said the Head of the Supreme State Audit Office, Arben Shehu./CNA