PRESIDENT BAJRAM BEGAJ’S VISIT TO PREŠEVO – ALBANIA MUST PROTECT ALBANIANS AND THE ALBANIAN LANGUAGE WHEREVER THEY LIVE By Flamur Buçpapaj

PRESIDENT BAJRAM BEGAJ’S VISIT TO PREŠEVO – ALBANIA MUST PROTECT ALBANIANS AND THE ALBANIAN LANGUAGE WHEREVER THEY LIVE
By Flamur Buçpapaj
The visit of the President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, to Preševo is an event of political, national, and institutional significance. It conveys the message that the Albanian state is not limited solely to administering its own territory but also carries a moral and constitutional responsibility toward Albanians living beyond its state borders. This approach strengthens the confidence of our compatriots abroad that they are not forgotten and that their national identity remains an important concern of Albania.
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania, in Article 8, states that the Albanian state protects the national rights of Albanians living outside its borders. This is not merely a symbolic principle but a constitutional obligation to support the preservation of the Albanian language, culture, education, and national identity among Albanians in the Preševo Valley, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and throughout the Albanian diaspora.
The Preševo Valley has long been one of the regions where Albanians have preserved their language, traditions, and culture despite numerous challenges. For decades, they have faced difficulties related to the use of the Albanian language, economic development, institutional representation, and access to education. For this reason, the presence of the President of Albania in Preševo carries particular importance. It reminds Albanians there that they are not alone and that the Albanian state considers them an inseparable part of the Albanian nation.
The Albanian language is the cornerstone of our national identity. History has shown that nations which lose their language risk losing their historical memory, culture, and identity. Therefore, protecting the Albanian language is not only the responsibility of teachers and families but also of state institutions. Albanian should be freely spoken, written, and taught wherever Albanians live. Schools, books, media outlets, and cultural institutions must continue to promote and preserve its use.
The consequences of weakening the Albanian language are evident: assimilation, the gradual loss of national roots, the erosion of cultural traditions, and weaker ties with the Albanian nation. By contrast, supporting the language strengthens national identity, preserves cultural heritage, increases national awareness, and reinforces the bonds among Albanians wherever they live.
During his presidency, President Bajram Begaj has met with Albanian communities outside Albania’s borders, emphasizing the importance of national unity, education in the Albanian language, and strong relations with the Albanian diaspora. These efforts are consistent with the constitutional role of the President as a symbol of the unity of the people.
In my opinion, President Begaj has established himself as a calm, responsible, and institutionally minded leader. His background as a professor and military officer has contributed to a disciplined, serious, and responsible approach to public office. He has consistently favored dialogue and national cohesion over political polarization. At a time when Albanian society needs trustworthy institutions, such an approach deserves recognition.
In every democracy, it is natural for a President to face criticism. However, criticism should be based on facts rather than personal attacks or unfounded accusations. The authority of the Presidency is strengthened when public debate is conducted responsibly and with respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
As a participant in Albania’s December 1990 democratic movement, and as a writer and journalist, I have no personal interest in President Begaj. My assessment is based solely on his public conduct and on the importance of his efforts to promote national unity and maintain institutional dignity.
I believe that Albania should begin a broad constitutional debate. One possible reform would be the direct election of the President by the people, providing the office with stronger democratic legitimacy. Consideration could also be given to expanding certain presidential powers to reinforce the President’s role as guardian of the Constitution and guarantor of institutional balance, always within the framework of democratic principles and the separation of powers.
Albania needs strong institutions and political leaders with integrity who are committed to defending the national interest. Protecting Albanians beyond the country’s borders, preserving the Albanian language, and strengthening constitutional institutions are all parts of the same vision for a modern, democratic, and responsible Albanian state.
President Bajram Begaj’s visit to Preševo was far more than a diplomatic event. It was a clear message that Albania must never forget Albanians living beyond its borders. A nation remains strong when it preserves its language, history, culture, and solidarity among all its sons and daughters, wherever they may live.