They did not allow him to speak in the Assembly/ Begaj "crouches" in the Presidency

2024-01-15 19:09:00, Politikë CNA

They did not allow him to speak in the Assembly/ Begaj "crouches" in

President Bajram Begaj

In today's plenary session, the first of 2024, it was anticipated that President Bajram Begaj would deliver a speech.

This was not possible due to the tensions created in the hall between the opposition and the majority.

After that, Begaj "hid" in the Presidency, where he organized a statement for the media. Responding to the accusations of the opposition, he said that this year would be a good turning point for the deputies.

He stated that the deputies must find a common language of communication.

Full statement:

I was prepared to address the Assembly today, in the plenary session hall, on the occasion of the start of the new parliamentary session. It is not the first time that the President addresses the Assembly with a message. For each session opening, find the President's message.

Today I chose to communicate directly with the deputies due to the circumstances that accompanied the closing of the last session.

The impossibility of holding a normal session makes me convey this message to the politicians and MPs of Albania through the media.

The opening of the new session of the Assembly was a good opportunity for the members of the Assembly to mark the beginning of a turning point in the political life of our country.

With love for Albania, with respect for the citizens who elected you, with the great responsibility that the task of representation carries, you MPs can and should find a common language and create an atmosphere where dialogue, public interest and national interest prevail.

The Assembly should be the temple of unfolding the best values ??of our society, where the position and the opposition cooperate for the good of the country.

The Assembly is the place where the parliamentary dialogue takes place, where there is an exchange of ideas and constructive discussions between the position and the opposition.

The Assembly is the space for debates where different professionals, media, students, civil society, diaspora and representatives of different social strata and national minorities have the opportunity to be involved and be heard.

The Assembly needs the opposition, it needs its voice, its arguments, as well as the confrontation in debates with ideas and arguments.

Willful cooperation between political forces has the power to deliver solutions and release positive energy.

Democracy, inspiration for the present and hope for the future must be cultivated in the Assembly.

Democracy is a process that is brought to life by the commitment to its consolidation. Without the continuous discussion between political offers and the agreement of the parties that they serve the good of the citizens and the prosperity of the country, democracy is undermined.

There can be no freedom, progress or social justice without democracy underlying our interaction.

The political class has the duty to be in the front line of the defense of democratic principles. Party interests cannot become an obstacle for the consolidation of the rule of law, the socio-economic development of the country and, for the situation we are in, for the progress of the integration process in the EU.

I am convinced that the deputies and the political class can find the strength to replace the political conflict with constructive cooperation. Exchange the division with the holy spirit of democratic parliamentarism and the rule of law, without extinguishing the debate, so that the institutions of the state are strengthened.

In a democracy, the confrontation of ideas within the framework of respect for the other and self-restraint are necessary.

Therefore, the debate is lacking constructively. The Assembly is the stage for the confrontation of ideas, not the arena of war against the opponent. It is the hand extended to compromise and dialogue.

The last session of the Assembly, unfortunately, spent more time on non-parliamentary agendas than on major issues for the country. Time wasted on highlighting partitions is never returned.

This new parliamentary session is a new opportunity for you MPs to re-orient the dialogue for the common good, the national interest and the consolidation of Albania's positions in the region, with the EU and our strategic ally the USA.

Therefore, I wish you to return to parliamentary cooperation and restore the lost goal.

All of us, Albanians, have our eyes on you.

In addition to the role of law makers, you have the important role of creating models in society.

I am aware that the political agenda of this parliamentary session is full of challenges. Security, justice, education, health, increasing well-being for all layers of the population, demography, the environment, social justice are challenges that require commitment, patriotism and clarity.

Time does not wait. Citizens' expectations should be the standard that guides you in every step of your work.

Albanian citizens expect to see a functioning parliament, and not physical clashes in the house of our democracy.

Albanian citizens expect their legislators to make laws in the interest of the country that improve their lives and give hope for a better future. The people will see politicians working together on cross-party issues such as electoral reform and diaspora voting. For the justice reform, there is still room for a contribution from the parliament.

I express all my support for the justice reform and invite all actors to find the strength and courage to carry out the mission to make Albania a state of law, fighting crime and corruption without compromise.

Albanian citizens expect an active parliament that holds the executive accountable through constant demand for transparency and accountability.

These are not special demands, they are what citizens expect in functional democracies, enabling institutions to be their servants.

I am convinced that the opportunities and capacities you have meet the need to master the destinies of a country that has proven in the last 30 years that it possesses an inexhaustible energy for transformation./ CNA