Bajram Begaj
{{Short description|President of Albania since 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = His Excellency Major General
| name = Bajram Begaj
| image = Bajram Begaj (infobox crop).jpg
| caption = Begaj in 2023
| office = President of Albania
| primeminister = Edi Rama
| term_start = 24 July 2022
| term_end =
| predecessor = Ilir Meta
| successor =
| order2 = 26th
| office2 = Chief of the General Staff (Albania){{!}}Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces
| president2 = Ilir Meta
| minister2 = Olta Xhaçka
Niko Peleshi
| term_start2 = 29 July 2020
| term_end2 = 4 June 2022
| predecessor2 = Bardhyl Kollçaku
| successor2 = Arben Kingji
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|03|20|df=y}}
| birth_place = Rrogozhinë, People's Socialist Republic, present Albania
| party = Independent
| spouse = Armanda Begaj
| children = 2
| alma_mater = Faculty of Medicine
| profession = Military officer
| allegiance = {{flagdeco|Albania|1946}}{{flag|Albania}}
| branch = Albanian People's Army
Armed Forces
| serviceyears = 1988{{spaced ndash}}2022
| rank = Major General
| signature = Bajram Begaj (nënshkrim).svg
}}
Bajram Begaj (born 20 March 1967) is an Albanian politician and military officer who has been President of Albania since 2022. Having had a long career in the Albanian army, he served as the 26th Chief of General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces from July 2020 to June 2022. Politically independent, on 3 June 2022, Begaj was officially nominated by the governing Socialist Party as the candidate to the fourth round of the 2022 presidential election.
Life and career
= 1967–2021: Early life and military =
Begaj was born on 20 March 1967, in Rrogozhinë. He graduated from Tirana's Faculty of Medicine in 1989 and became an active medical officer in 1998. Having completed his professional doctorate degree, he holds the title "Associate Professor" in Medicine.
During his 31-year military career, Begaj has taken part in numerous training seminars and completed courses in Security and Defense, the Advanced Postgraduate School of Medicine, a Postgraduate Specialization in Gastrohepatology, a Hospital Management Course and Strategic Medical Leadership Course in the United States, a Specialization Course in Medicine and a Health Course in Greece.
Begaj previously served as the Commander of the Doctrine and Training Command in the Albanian Armed Forces. He held various other posts including: Chief of the Military Medical Unit and Deputy Military Director of SUT, Director of the Military Hospital, Director of the Health Inspectorate, etc. He was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces in July 2020 and assumed office later that month.{{cite web |title=U dekretua gjeneral major nga presidenti Meta, kush është komandanti Bajram Bega? |url=https://www.balkanweb.com/profil-u-dekretarua-gjeneral-major-nga-presidenti-meta-kush-eshte-komandanti-bajram-bega |website=BalkanWeb |access-date=3 July 2020}}
= 2022–present: Presidency =
{{See also|2022 Albanian presidential election}}
{{Further|List of international presidential trips made by Bajram Begaj}}
On 24 July 2022, Begaj was inaugurated as the incumbent president of Albania for a five-year term.{{cite web |publisher=Presidenca |title=Fjala e Presidentit të Republikës, Sh. T. Z. Bajram Begaj gjatë ceremonisë së betimit në Kuvendin e Shqipërisë |url=https://president.al/fjala-e-presidentit-te-republikes-sh-t-z-bajram-begaj-gjate-ceremonise-se-betimit-ne-kuvendin-e-shqiperise/ |access-date=25 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231025163853/https://president.al/fjala-e-presidentit-te-republikes-sh-t-z-bajram-begaj-gjate-ceremonise-se-betimit-ne-kuvendin-e-shqiperise/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |language=sq |date=24 July 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/who_is_who_177473.htm|title=Bajram Begaj, Chief of Defence of
|website=NATO}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mod.gov.al/eng/index.php/newsroom/1228-major-general-bajram-begaj-appointed-as-the-new-chief-of-the-general-staff-of-the-albanian-armed-forces|title=Major-General-Bajram-Begaj-appointed-as-the-new-Chief-of-the-General-Staff-of-the-Albanian-Armed-Forces|website=mod.gov.al|access-date=2021-07-04}} His election followed a series of parliamentary proceedings that commenced on 10 May , when the parliament of Albania initiated the process for presidential selection.{{cite web |work=Dosja |title=Presidenti/ Më 16 maj raundi i parë, 5 ditë për kandidaturat. Pd: E keni zgjedhur emrin |url=https://dosja.al/zgjedhja-e-presidentit-te-ri-mblidhet-sot-konferenca-e-kryetareve |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012133041/https://dosja.al/zgjedhja-e-presidentit-te-ri-mblidhet-sot-konferenca-e-kryetareve |archive-date=12 October 2024 |language=sq |date=10 May 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=Exit |title=Lack of Candidates Thwarts Vote on President in Albanian Parliament |url=https://exit.al/en/albanian-parliament-fails-to-hold-first-round-of-presidential-elections/ |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012133055/https://exit.al/en/albanian-parliament-fails-to-hold-first-round-of-presidential-elections/ |archive-date=12 October 2024 |date=16 May 2022 |url-status=live}} Despite challenges in achieving consensus on a suitable candidate, the governing Socialist Party (PS) nominated Begaj on 3 June for the fourth round of voting, after he resigned from his position as Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces.{{cite web |last=Cuka |first=Fatjon |publisher=Anadolu Agency (AA) |title=Bajram Begaj propozohet si kandidat për postin e Presidentit të Shqipërisë |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/bajram-begaj-propozohet-si-kandidat-p%C3%ABr-postin-e-presidentit-t%C3%AB-shqip%C3%ABris%C3%AB/2605215 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012133832/https://www.aa.com.tr/sq/ballkani/bajram-begaj-propozohet-si-kandidat-p%C3%ABr-postin-e-presidentit-t%C3%AB-shqip%C3%ABris%C3%AB/2605215 |archive-date=12 October 2024 |language=sq |date=3 June 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Ruci |first=Ani |publisher=Deutsche Welle (DW) |title=Shqipëri: PS propozon një gjeneral për President |url=https://www.dw.com/sq/shqip%C3%ABri-ps-propozon-nj%C3%AB-gjeneral-p%C3%ABr-president/a-62031249 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012133847/https://www.dw.com/sq/shqip%C3%ABri-ps-propozon-nj%C3%AB-gjeneral-p%C3%ABr-president/a-62031249 |archive-date=12 October 2024 |language=sq |date=3 June 2022 |url-status=live}} He was subsequently elected with 78 votes in favor, exceeding the required majority, while the opposition led by the Democratic Party (PD) abstained from participation in the voting process.{{cite web |last=Öztürk |first=Mustafa Talha |publisher=Anadolu Agency (AA) |title=Albanian parliament elects Bajram Begaj new president |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/albanian-parliament-elects-bajram-begaj-new-president/2605897 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241012134014/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/albanian-parliament-elects-bajram-begaj-new-president/2605897 |archive-date=12 October 2024 |location=Belgrade |date=5 June 2022 |url-status=live}} The tenure of Begaj has been marked by a commitment to enhancing Albania's international relations and advancing Euro-Atlantic integration.{{cite web |work=Tirana Times |title=President Bajram Begaj takes office |url=https://ftp.aiis-albania.org/?p=152583 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241011100335/https://ftp.aiis-albania.org/?p=152583 |archive-date=11 October 2024 |date=25 July 2022 |url-status=live}} Since assuming office, he has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, undertaking numerous international diplomatic visits to foster partnerships and elevate Albania's global standing.{{cite web |last=Semini |first=Llazar |work=Associated Press (AP) |title=Albania's newly sworn-in president urges political unity |url=https://apnews.com/article/albania-government-and-politics-be946643a4d4483b2584e099e1e09c29 |access-date=11 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241011100346/https://apnews.com/article/albania-government-and-politics-be946643a4d4483b2584e099e1e09c29 |archive-date=11 October 2024 |date=24 July 2022 |url-status=live}}
Personal life
Begaj is married to Armanda Begaj, with whom he has two sons, Dorian and Klajdi.{{Cite web|url=https://dosja.al/politike/nga-zyrat-e-klsh-se-drejt-titullit-zonje-e-pare-njihuni-me-armanda-bega-i219574|title=Nga zyrat e KLSH-së drejt titullit Zonjë e Parë, njihuni me Armanda Begajn, gruan e presidentit|website=www.dosja.al|date=5 June 2022|access-date=10 April 2023|language=sq}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kumtari.al/pasurite-milioneshe-te-presidentit-te-ri-bajram-begaj/|title=Pasuritë milionëshe të presidentit të ri, Bajram Begaj|website=www.kumtari.al|date=20 June 2022|access-date=10 April 2023|language=sq}}
Honours and accolades
- {{Flag|Italy}}{{spaced ndash}}Honorary Citizen of Pallagorio{{cite web |publisher=Presidenca |title=Presidenti Begaj 'Qytetar Nderi' i arbëreshëve të Kalabrisë |work=Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë |url=https://president.al/presidenti-begaj-qytetar-nderi-i-arberesheve-te-kalabrise/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524174629/https://president.al/presidenti-begaj-qytetar-nderi-i-arberesheve-te-kalabrise/ |archive-date=24 May 2024 |language=sq |date=3 May 2024 |url-status=live}}
- {{Flagu|Italy}}{{spaced ndash}}Honorary Citizen of Rossano{{cite web |publisher=Presidenca |title=Presidenti Begaj shpallet 'Qytetar Nderi' nga Komuna e Roshanos |work=Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë |url=https://president.al/presidenti-begaj-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-nga-komuna-e-roshanos/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419101541/https://president.al/presidenti-begaj-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-nga-komuna-e-roshanos/ |archive-date=19 April 2024 |language=sq |date=28 May 2023 |url-status=live}}
- {{Flag|Kosovo}}{{spaced ndash}}Honorary Citizen of Deçan{{cite web |last=Ibrahimi |first=Majlinda |work=Koha |title=Presidenti Begaj merr titullin 'Qytetar Nderi' në Deçan |url=https://www.koha.net/lajmet-e-mbremjes-ktv/presidenti-begaj-merr-titullin-qytetar-nderi-ne-decan |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018100331/https://www.koha.net/lajmet-e-mbremjes-ktv/presidenti-begaj-merr-titullin-qytetar-nderi-ne-decan |archive-date=18 October 2024 |language=sq |date=23 June 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |author1=Komuna e Deçanit |title=Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë, Sh.T.Z. Bajram Begaj u dekorua me titullin 'Qytetar Nderi' në Deçan |url=https://kk.rks-gov.net/decan/news/presidenti-i-republikes-se-shqiperise-sh-t-z-bajram-begaj-u-dekorua-me-titullin-qytetar-nderi-ne-decan/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018102651/https://kk.rks-gov.net/decan/news/presidenti-i-republikes-se-shqiperise-sh-t-z-bajram-begaj-u-dekorua-me-titullin-qytetar-nderi-ne-decan/ |archive-date=18 October 2024 |language=sq |date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live}}
- {{Flagu|Kosovo}}{{spaced ndash}}Honorary Citizen of Drenas{{cite web |work=Zëri |title=Pas Deçanit, Begaj do të shpallet ' Qytetar nderi' edhe në Drenas |url=https://www.zeri.info/aktuale/541291/pas-decanit-begaj-do-te-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-edhe-ne-drenas/ |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624072118/https://www.zeri.info/aktuale/541291/pas-decanit-begaj-do-te-shpallet-qytetar-nderi-edhe-ne-drenas/ |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=sq |date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |publisher=Komuna e Drenasit |title=Vendim për shpalljen e SH. T. Z. Prof. Dr. Bajram Begaj si 'Qytetar Nderi' i Komunës së Drenasit. |url=https://kk.rks-gov.net/podujeve/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Bajram-Begaj.pdf |access-date=18 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241018102213/https://kk.rks-gov.net/podujeve/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/Bajram-Begaj.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2024 |location=Drenas |language=sq |date=27 October 2022 |url-status=live}}
References
{{Reflist}}
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{{s-mil}}
{{s-bef|before=Bardhyl Kollçaku}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces|years=2020–2022}}
{{s-aft|after=Arben Kingji}}
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{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Ilir Meta}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of Albania|years=2022–present}}
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{{Heads of state of Albania}}
{{Heads of state of republics}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Begaj, Bajram}}
Category:21st-century Albanian politicians