President of the Republic Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates, where he addressed the new generation of magistrates, candidates for prosecutors and judges, state attorneys and judicial assistants.
Begaj stressed the importance of integrity and professionalism among the new generation of magistrates, saying these values will determine the success of the reformed justice system at an important stage for Albania and its European Union accession process.
“Your generation has a historic advantage: you are entering the justice system built by the reform. This also comes with greater responsibility: through your integrity and professionalism, you will ensure that this system functions effectively,” President Begaj said.
The Head of State underlined that choosing the profession of magistrate requires more than legal knowledge, stressing the importance of character, integrity, professional maturity and responsibility towards society.
“Your determination, commitment to values and resolve to serve justice are the foundation of a fair, principled, virtuous, peaceful and respectable society. You have chosen a profession that requires not only legal knowledge, but also character, integrity, professional maturity and a sense of responsibility towards society,” he said.
Begaj said the classrooms of the School of Magistrates should not be seen merely as places for acquiring professional knowledge, but also as an important stage of preparation for the responsibilities magistrates will assume within the justice system.
“You should not view or experience these classrooms simply as places that will turn you into professionals, but as places that will shape you for a mission. A magistrate is not merely a specialist in the law, but a guarantor of individual rights and freedoms and a defender of the constitutional order,” Begaj said.
The President also addressed public trust in the justice system, describing it as one of its most important assets, which must be earned and preserved.
“The most valuable asset of justice, which must be earned, is trust: trust that every individual will be heard; that every claim will be examined impartially; that the law will be applied equally to everyone; and that judicial power will be exercised with the humility and responsibility required by the rule of law,” the President said.
Speaking about the progress of the justice reform, Begaj praised the consolidation of the new institutions, stressing that the system has entered a new phase focused on results.
“The vetting process has been completed, the new justice institutions have been established, while the Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime, together with the special courts, have created a new reality in the fight against impunity. The investigation and trial of individuals holding political, economic or social power is no longer something impossible. This is a key achievement for the rule of law and for Albania. Albanian justice has now entered a new phase: from reform to consolidation; from establishing institutions to ensuring their functioning; from expectations to results,” he said.
The Head of State also stressed the importance of judicial independence as one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law.
“Judicial independence means a branch of power that is independent from the other branches, a justice system free from the influence of any interest, a justice system subject only to the law and to no one else,” Begaj said.
In the context of the European integration process, the President underlined that justice remains one of the most important areas for meeting required standards, stressing the need for justice that is not only fair, but also timely.
“Our challenge is to ensure that the quality of decision-making and effectiveness are not seen as competing objectives, but as values that go hand in hand,” Begaj said.
In conclusion, the President called on the new magistrates to carry out their mission with integrity, courage and dedication in the service of justice, the rule of law and citizens.
Referring to the public oath taken by magistrates, Begaj also quoted Lord Chief Justice Hewart:
“Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.”
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