Remembrance and appreciation for King Zog - obligation and respect for the history of the Albanian state

* by Ekrem Spahiu

Ahmet Zogu - King of the Albanians, in terms of his stature as a political personality, in terms of his tenure as head of state, and especially in terms of the crucial historical moment when he ruled Albania, is a necessary reference in the political history of the Albanian state.

He was called from time to time to dedicate himself to the Albanian nation and Albania at crucial historical moments. His national conscience, inherited from his tribe, cultivated by his parents, and from the schooling he conducted, made him a great fighter for the national cause.

Ahmet Zogu, in addition to being one of the main protagonists for the convening and organization of the Lushnja Congress, also had the confidence to secure it. In appreciation of his superior commitment to this historic event, in the government that emerged from that Congress, Ahmet Zogu was appointed Minister of Interior. Sometime later, being elected to the high post of Prime Minister, he faced assassinations against him within the Constitutional Assembly. But, in order not to allow further political complication of the situation and, consequently, destabilization and security of the country, he gave the example of the responsible statesman, who, assessing in the first place the fates of the country, resigned from the post of prime minister.  

Concerning the demands for a democratic state in which the will of the people determined by-elections, can not be alienated in any other form as was the case of the "revolution" of June 1924, Ahmet Zogu, by decision of the government "Vrioni", but also with the support of the Great Powers, on December 24, 1924, restored legitimacy to the state. In appreciation of this constitutional contribution, on January 6, 1925, the High Council appointed Ahmet Zogu Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

In these high positions, Ahmet Zogu gave the message appreciated both internally and abroad that legitimacy is the only and irreplaceable reference for a state as the time required. This enabled the immediate restoration of stability in the country, also enabling the signing of important economic, political, and military agreements, which significantly strengthened Albania's position.

The proclamation of Albania "Kingdom" and Ahmet Zogu "King of the Albanians" was another historical necessity, as the only alternative to avoid the various dangers and threats, from inside and outside the country, that attacked Albania between the two world wars.

In this high mission, King Zog I, carried out the complete reform of the legal framework, institutions, and all life of the country, consolidated order and security, created the missing state administration, sanctified private property, etc. With the policies followed, a free movement was guaranteed with a passport worthy of presenting the Albanian identity in every country of the world, national education was massified, etc. It was the Kingdom of Albania that created the necessary state framework to give individuality and institutional dignity to religious faiths, just as they enjoyed in other countries.

Western countries, including the USA, not only immediately recognized the Kingdom of Albania, but also developed ever-increasing relations, which Albania had almost lacked until then, and even lacked half a century later.

King Zog committed all the potentials for the sensitization of the Albanian people, to create a comprehensive national background of resistance against the Italian fascist occupation and, meanwhile, mobilized the military and gendarmerie forces, with which the military resistance was organized with weapons. He left no room for fascist Italy, did not submit to its ultimatums, so she planned and implemented the invasion of Albania only with a military operation. In the conditions of the impossibility to stop the fascist expansion which was not only coveted by Albania, King Zog, after keeping the resistance alive for as long as possible, by the decision of the Parliament left the country, believing in the international legal law according to which, when the invader is expected with organized military resistance and the legitimate government does not surrender,   

During the forced exile, King Zog was welcomed in several countries, but his longest stay, since 1941, was in the United Kingdom, which was among the three Great Allies in the fight against Nazi-Fascism. . He stayed there until the end of the war.

King Zog passed away outside the Homeland, to which he dedicated his life. With the fall of the communist regime, which aimed to erase his personality, contributions, and historical and national heritage, he has been memorized and perpetuated throughout Albania.

For all these reasons, King Zog I has been and will continue to occupy a central place in the history of Albania. He built a modern Albanian state, with a clear western orientation. He connected his whole life with the fates of the nation, Albania and Albanians, therefore the commemoration of his birthday and the appreciation of his personality and contributions as a great statesman, is an obligation and respect for our national and state history.

* former - deputy & chairman of PLL