Scandal at SHISH/ President Begaj to convene National Security Council today

This Monday, President of the Republic Bajram Begaj will convene the National Security Council at 8:30 a.m. at the Brigades Palace.

The meeting comes after recent developments involving the former head of SHISH, Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under house arrest.

The discussions are expected to focus on national security and the protection of classified information, as well as developments at the State Intelligence Service.

The new leadership of SHISH is also expected to be on the agenda: following Hyseni’s departure, Elvis Lila will take over as acting director.

The council is chaired by the President of the Republic and consists of the heads of the country’s main state and security institutions.

Those expected to attend the meeting include Prime Minister Edi Rama, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi, Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, Minister of the Interior Ervin Demo, and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha.

Heads of security institutions are also expected to participate, including representatives of SHISH, the State Police and the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

The law defines the National Security Council as an advisory body to the President on national security issues. Depending on the agenda, the President also has the right to invite heads or representatives of other institutions.

The council’s last meeting was held in June 2023. That meeting addressed the state of cybersecurity and measures to strengthen cyber defense in the Republic of Albania.

During Ilir Meta’s presidency, the then leader of the opposition, Lulzim Basha, was also invited to one of the meetings and accepted the invitation.