Prime Minister of Albania

Prime Minister of Albania
Kryeministri i Shqipërisë
Incumbent Edi Rama since 11 September 2013
Style	His Excellency (diplomatic)
Type	Head of government
Member of	Council Parliament
Residence	Kryeministria
Seat	Tirana
Appointer	President with Parliament confidence
Term length	Four years, renewable
Constituting instrument	Constitution
Inaugural holder	Ismail Qemali
Formation	4 December 1912
Deputy	Deputy Prime Minister
Salary	228,730 lek
Website	kryeministria.al

The prime minister of Albania (Albanian: Kryeministri i Shqipërisë), officially the prime minister of the Republic of Albania (Albanian: Kryeministri i Republikës së Shqipërisë), is the head of government of Albania. The office of the prime minister is a core institution in the politics of Albania formed after the Albanian declaration of independence on 28 November 1912. Since that time, the nation has navigated a dynamic political evolution spanning distinct periods, encompassing a monarchy, a communist regime and the eventual democratic order. In 1912, Ismail Qemali was inaugurated as the first prime minister of Albania, guiding the nation towards sovereignty amidst the complex conditions in the Balkans. In 1944, Enver Hoxha implemented a radical change, directing Albania into an authoritarian and isolationist communist regime. In 1991, the nation adapted to a democracy that marked a notable shift, when Fatos Nano emerged as the first post-communist prime minister of Albania.

The position of the prime minister are defined in the constitution of Albania. The appointment begins with general elections, during which parties or coalition nominate candidates for the parliament. The leader of the party with the most parliamentary seats becomes a contender for the office of the prime minister. After the results are certified, the president invites the majority leader to propose a prime minister candidate who must secure a majority from the parliament for selection. Once selected, the prime minister-elect is mandated to partake in a formal oath-taking ceremony presided over by the president. The prime minister is in charge to form and guide the council of ministers, to present the nation's integral policies and to coordinate government institutions. Located in Tirana, the Kryeministria is the official workplace of the prime minister and holds a crucial role in facilitating their duties and those of the council. Since September 2013, Edi Rama from the Albanian Socialist Party has served as prime minister.

History

1912–1990

Following the declaration of independence on 28 November 1912, the establishment of the office of the prime minister became an integral part of the constitutional framework of Albania. Amidst the formative period characterised by tumultuous political and regional conflicts, a series of distinguished ministers assumed the position, each confronted with distinct challenges that left a lasting impact on Albanian politics. Ismail Qemali occupied the mantle of the first prime minister and directed the Albanian people toward the realisation of Independent Albania. Subsequently, during their respective tenures as prime ministers from 1914 to 1920, Turhan Përmeti and Esad Toptani were instrumental in directing Albania through the challenges of World War I. This period was marked by their dedication to preserving the country's independence in the face of shifting alliances and external interventions. Similarly, the emergence of Ilias Vrioni as prime minister in 1920 occurred in the aftermath of World War I, addressing border disputes with the backing of several major Western nations that guaranteed Albania's sovereignty within the boundaries formed in 1913. Following these developments, Ahmet Zogu served as prime minister in 1922, concentrating on centralising power, modernising the economy and attracting foreign investments. In 1924, Fan Noli's brief guidance introduced sweeping reforms, including initiatives in education and land distribution, aimed at reshaping the socio-economic landscape, alongside the establishment of the Albanian Orthodox Church. Zogu returned as prime minister for a second term in 1925 and further solidified his influence, ultimately transitioning the country into a monarchy in 1928.

With the global crisis of the Great Depression, Albania grappled with significant economic and financial challenges from 1930 to 1939. The government was tasked with stabilising the economy and fostering socio-economic growth. During this period, a succession of prime ministers, including Kostaq Kotta, Pandeli Evangjeli and Mehdi Frashëri, led the country. Amid World War II, despite declaring neutrality, Albania was invaded by Italy. Prime Ministers of the era, including Shefqet Vërlaci and Mustafa Merlika-Kruja, assumed significant roles in navigating the challenges posed by foreign occupation. In 1943, Germany occupied the country, leading to the brief guidances of Rexhep Mitrovica, Fiqri Dine and Ibrahim Biçakçiu as prime ministers during the occupation. With the conclusion of World War II, Albania entered an unprecedented transformative phase under the leadership of Enver Hoxha, who occupied the mantle of prime minister in 1944. Hoxha's tenure was marked by a commitment to Marxism–Leninism, resulting in the establishment of the People's Republic of Albania. The regime faced multifaceted challenges, encompassing widespread poverty, illiteracy, healthcare crises, and gender inequality. In response, Hoxha initiated a comprehensive modernisation effort aimed at achieving economic and social liberation and transitioning Albania into an industrialised society. Mehmet Shehu served as a prominent figure in Hoxha's government, holding the position of prime minister for a significant part of the communist rule. He played an essential part in implementing the government's policies and exerting influence over the country's direction. Furthermore, Adil Çarçani succeeded Shehu as prime minister and maintained the position for nine years, holding its isolationist stance in external affairs and remaining aligned with the Eastern Bloc countries.

1991–present

After the fall of communism, the office of the prime minister of Albania was restored and a democratic order was established. Responding to widespread protests in December 1990, the government of Ramiz Alia of the Party of Labour granted its approval for the first multi-party elections in March 1991 and the subsequent elections in March 1992. This resulted to the recognition of the Democratic Party opposition and paved the way for the admission of other political parties, including the Socialist Party. Subsequently, Fatos Nano emerged as the first post-communist Prime Minister on 22 February 1991, prioritising the establishment of democratic institutions, implementation economic reforms and reintegration of Albania into the international community. On 4 June 1991, Nano resigned from office due to political and social pressure, allowing Ylli Bufi and Vilson Ahmeti to assume the mantle for a short term, respectively. Amid their office, Albania became a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) in June. After these transitions, Aleksandër Meksi occupied the role as Prime Minister on 13 April 1992 following the successful elections in March, with his cabinet dedicated to further advance democratic and economic development and strengthen Albania's international connections. This commitment culminated to the country's accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) in July 1995. However, the guidance of Meksi faced criticism for what some perceived as an increasingly authoritarian approach and allegations of corruption. One of the most notable events during his rule was the outbreak of the Albanian Civil War in 1997 that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and an international intervention.

Following the departure of Meksi on 25 March 1997, Bashkim Fino emerged as prime minister with a commitment to hold early elections in June. Fatos Nano secured his second term as prime minister but faced several challenges, notably in assembling a cabinet, which led to his resignation. Pandeli Majko succeeded Nano as Prime Minister on 28 September 1998 and focused on the enhancement of public order and the fight against corruption and organised crime. His cabinet garnered approval for a new constitution through a referendum in November 1998, all amidst continued instability in Albanian-speaking Kosovo, which led to a large influx of refugees. With the resignation of Majko on 29 October 1999, Ilir Meta emerged as prime minister and served until his resignation on 29 January 2002. Following Majko's return for his second term on 7 February 2002, Nano assumed the mantle for his third term as prime minister until 3 July 2005. In the elections in July 2005, Sali Berisha emerged as prime minister with a obligation to sustainable economic development and advancing European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership. The tenure of Berisha achieved a major milestone when the country secured NATO membership in April 2009. However, his leadership was marred by increasing allegations of corruption, misappropriation of public funds and interference in public processes. Edi Rama occupied the role as prime minister for three consecutive terms following the successful elections in July 2013. Under his guidance, Albania achieved consistent economic growth and made continuous progress toward EU membership through a series of reforms aimed at socio-economic revitalisation, reinforcing the rule of law, enhancing the judicial system and promoting transparency in governance.

Appointment

The process of selecting the prime minister of Albania commences with the conduct of general elections, in which the members of the parliament are elected through a proportional representation system for a four-year term. Political entities, whether in the form of parties or coalitions, that participate in the elections nominate their candidates for the members of parliament. The leader of the polity securing the most seats in the parliament emerges as a contender for the role of the prime minister. Once the election results receive official certification, the president extends an invitation to the leader of the polity with the parliamentary majority, urging them to propose a candidate for the position. The nominated candidate subsequently seeks approval from the parliament, with the members of the parliament casting their votes either in favor or against the proposed candidate. The candidate must garner a majority of affirmative votes to secure appointment, thereby confirming their selection as the prime minister. In the event that the appointed prime minister does not secure the approval from the parliament, a 10-day window is provided for the president to nominate a new candidate. If, once more, the parliament does not endorse this subsequent nominee, it is granted an additional 10-day period to designate an alternative prime minister. If the parliament remains unable to successfully elect a new prime minister within these defined timeframes, the president retains the prerogative to dissolve the parliament.

Before assuming the office, the prime minister-elect is mandated to partake in a formal oath-taking ceremony presided over by the president. The ceremony, conducted in compliance with the guidelines of the constitution, marks the commencement of the minister's official functions. During the oath, the prime minister affirms their allegiance to the constitution and laws, making a commitment to fulfill the functions of their office and prioritise the welfare of the Albanian people:

Albanian: Betohem se do t'i bindem Kushtetutës dhe ligjeve të vendit, do të respektoj të drejtat dhe liritë e shtetasve, do të mbroj pavarësinë e Republikës së Shqipërisë dhe do t'i shërbej interesit të përgjithshëm dhe përparimit të popullit Shqiptar. Zoti më ndihmoftë!

English: I swear that I will obey to the Constitution and laws of the country, that I will respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, protect the independence of the Republic of Albania, and I will serve the general interest and the progress of the Albanian people. May God help me!

Functions

Located at Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard in Tirana, the Kryeministria operates as the official workplace of the prime minister and assumes a central role in facilitating the functions of the prime minister and the council of ministers. According to the constitution, the office of the prime minister holds an integral position in the executive arm of government as the head of government. One of the core functions of the prime minister is to form and lead the council of ministers, which include the deputy prime minister and several other ministers. The prime minister selects the members of the council and proposes their appointments for approval by the president. The prime minister is also entrusted with the duty of formulating and presenting the principal general policies of the country. This task involves ensuring the implementation of legislation endorsed by the council of ministers. Further to these core functions, the prime minister takes on the office of coordinating and supervising the work of both the council and other significant institutions of the government. This ensures the efficient operation of the framework of the government, the resolution of potential conflicts among ministers, the issuance of necessary instructions and an overall contribution to the efficient administration of government functions.

The prime minister has the function to propose a vote of confidence motion to the parliament, focusing on significant matters related to bill or decision approval. This motion cannot involve investigations, appointments, immunity or parliamentary functioning. The duration of debate is determined by the conference of chairpersons, with a minimum of 3 minutes per deputy. Voting occurs after at least 3 days from the presentation of the motion. If the motion fails, the prime minister can request the dissolution of the parliament within 48 hours, with the president dissolving parliament within 10 days of the request. Importantly, a vote of confidence cannot be proposed during the consideration of a vote of no confidence. When the prime minister is absent or incapacitated, the deputy prime minister assumes the role of second-in-command to maintain the uninterrupted functioning of the government. Their appointment and dismissal are determined by the council of ministers based on the recommendation of the prime minister.

List of prime ministers (1912–present)

No.	Portrait	Name	Term in office		Government
Albania (1912–1914)
1st		Ismail Qemali (1844–1919)	4 December 1912	22 January 1914	Provisional Government
			1 year, 1 month and 18 days
—		International Control Commission	22 January 1914	17 March 1914	Members
			1 month and 23 days
Principality of Albania (1914–1925)
2nd		Turhan Pasha Përmeti (1846–1927)	17 March 1914	3 September 1914	Përmeti Governments (I and II)
			5 months and 17 days
3rd		Esad Toptani (1863–1920)	5 October 1914	27 January 1916	Toptani Government
			1 year, 3 months and 22 days
Austro-Hungarian Command (23 January 1916 – 30 October 1918)
—		Turhan Pasha Përmeti (1846–1927)	25 December 1918	29 January 1920	Përmeti III Government
			1 year, 1 month and 4 days
4th		Sulejman Delvina (1884–1933)	30 January 1920	14 November 1920	Delvina Government
			9 months and 15 days
5th		Ilias Vrioni (1882–1932)	15 November 1920	16 October 1921	Vrioni Governments (I and II)
			11 months and 1 day
6th		Pandeli Evangjeli (1859–1949)	16 October 1921	6 December 1921	Evangjeli I Government
			1 month and 20 days
7th		Qazim Koculi Acting Prime Minister (1887–1943)	6 December 1921	6 December 1921	Koculi Government
			0 days
8th		Hasan Prishtina (1873–1933)	7 December 1921	12 December 1921	Prishtina Government
			5 days
9th		Idhomen Kosturi Acting Prime Minister (1873–1943)	12 December 1921	24 December 1921	Kosturi Government
			12 days
10th		Xhafer Ypi (1880–1940)	24 December 1921	2 December 1922	Ypi Government
			11 months and 8 days
11th		Ahmet Zogu (1895–1961)	2 December 1922	25 February 1924	Zogu I Government
			1 year, 2 months and 23 days
12th		Shefqet Vërlaci (1877–1946)	3 March 1924	27 May 1924	Vërlaci Government
			2 months and 24 days
—		Ilias Vrioni (1882–1932)	30 May 1924	10 June 1924	Vrioni III Government
			11 days
13th		Fan Noli (1882–1965)	16 June 1924	24 December 1924	Noli Government
			6 months and 8 days
—		Ahmet Zogu (1895–1961)	6 January 1925	31 January 1925	Zogu II Government
			8 months and 17 days
During the period of the Republic, the role of the prime minister was exercised by the Minister of Justice. (1 February 1925 – 1 September 1928)
Albanian Kingdom (1928–1939)
14th		Kostaq Kotta (1886–1947)	5 September 1928	5 March 1930	Kotta I Government
			1 year and 6 months
—		Pandeli Evangjeli (1859–1949)	6 March 1930	16 October 1935	Evangjeli Governments (II, III and IV)
			5 years, 7 months and 10 days
15th		Mehdi Frashëri (1872–1963)	21 October 1935	7 November 1936	Frashëri Government
			1 year and 17 days
—		Kostaq Kotta (1886–1947)	9 November 1936	7 April 1939	Kotta II Government
			2 years, 4 months and 29 days
Interim Administrative Committee (8 April 1939 – 12 April 1939)
Italian protectorate of Albania (1939–1943)
—		Shefqet Vërlaci (1877–1946)	12 April 1939	3 December 1941	Vërlaci II Government
			2 years, 7 months and 21 days
16th		Mustafa Merlika-Kruja (1887–1958)	3 December 1941	4 January 1943	Merlika-Kruja Government
			1 year, 1 month and 1 day
17th		Ekrem Libohova (1882–1948)	18 January 1943	11 February 1943	Libohova I Government
			24 days
18th		Maliq Bushati (1890–1946)	12 February 1943	28 April 1943	Bushati Government
			2 months and 16 days
—		Ekrem Libohova (1882–1948)	11 May 1943	12 September 1943	Libohova II Government
			4 months and 1 day
German occupation of Albania (1943–1944)
Interim Executive Committee (14 September 1943 – 4 November 1943)
19th		Rexhep Mitrovica (1887–1967)	5 November 1943	16 June 1944	Mitrovica Government
			7 months and 11 days
20th		Fiqri Dine (1897–1960)	18 July 1944	28 August 1944	Dine Government
			1 month and 10 days
21st		Ibrahim Biçakçiu (1905–1977)	6 September 1944	25 October 1944	Biçaku Government
			1 month and 19 days
People's Socialist Republic of Albania (1944–1991)
22nd		Enver Hoxha (1908–1985)	23 October 1944	19 July 1954	Hoxha Governments (I, II and III)
			9 years, 8 months and 26 days
23rd		Mehmet Shehu (1913–1981)	20 July 1954	18 December 1981	Shehu Governments (I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII)
			27 years, 4 months and 28 days
24th		Adil Çarçani (1922–1997)	18 December 1981	21 February 1991	Çarçani Governments (I, II and III)
			9 years, 2 months and 3 days
Republic of Albania (1991–present)
25th		Fatos Nano (born 1952)	22 February 1991	4 June 1991	Nano Governments (I and II)
			3 months and 13 days
26th		Ylli Bufi (born 1948)	11 June 1991	6 December 1991	Government of Stability
			5 months and 25 days
27th		Vilson Ahmeti (born 1951)	18 December 1991	13 April 1992	Ahmeti Government
			3 months and 26 days
28th		Aleksandër Meksi (born 1939)	13 April 1992	1 March 1997	Meksi Governments (I and II)
			4 years, 10 months and 16 days
29th		Bashkim Fino (1962–2021)	11 March 1997	24 July 1997	Fino Government
			4 months and 13 days
—		Fatos Nano (born 1952)	25 July 1997	28 September 1998	Nano III Government
			1 year, 2 months and 3 days
30th		Pandeli Majko (born 1967)	2 October 1998	25 October 1999	Majko I Government
			1 year and 23 days
31st		Ilir Meta (born 1969)	28 October 1999	29 January 2002	Meta Governments (I and II)
			2 years, 3 months and 1 day
—		Pandeli Majko (born 1967)	22 February 2002	25 July 2002	Majko II Government
			5 months and 3 days
—		Fatos Nano (born 1952)	29 July 2002	10 September 2005	Nano IV Government
			3 years, 1 month and 12 days
32nd		Sali Berisha (born 1944)	11 September 2005	15 September 2013	Berisha Governments (I and II)
			8 years and 4 days
33rd		Edi Rama (born 1964)	15 September 2013	Incumbent	Rama Governments (I, II and III)
			10 years, 3 months and 19 days