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Changes in the "Rama" government/ DW: Opposition in protest, cabinet under pressure

2026-02-26 22:49:00, Aktualitet CNA

Changes in the "Rama" government/ DW: Opposition in protest, cabinet

After publication in the Official Gazette, the government's number two will be Albana Koçiu, who leaves the post of Minister of Interior. Besfort Lamallari, currently Minister of Justice, will be appointed as the head of the Ministry of Interior, while the latter will be succeeded by Toni Gogu.

Enea Karakaçi takes over the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, replacing Balluk.

Elisa Spiropali is leaving the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Ferit Hoxha, who served as Albania's permanent representative to the United Nations from 2009 to 2015, is appointed in her place.

The Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, will no longer be part of the cabinet. Ermal Nufi is appointed in his place. Meanwhile, Eriona Ismaili has been appointed Minister of Relations with Parliament. The changes come just six months after the "Rama 4" cabinet was voted into office in the Albanian Parliament.

Balluku between judicial pressure and political decision

Belinda Ballukutvjen's departure follows a months-long standoff with the judiciary. In November last year, the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), at the request of SPAK, decided to suspend her from office as part of an investigation into public procurement procedures.

The decision was opposed by the majority and the case ended up in the Constitutional Court, which upheld the suspension measure. Meanwhile, SPAK has requested the Assembly to lift Balluk's immunity in order to continue with criminal proceedings against her.

During his speech before the parliamentary group, Prime Minister Rama stated that he will wait for the report of the Mandates Council before making a final statement regarding SPAK's request.

The arguments of the socialist majority will be included in a report being drafted by the chairman of the Laws Committee, Ulsi Manja, which is expected to be made official in the coming days and then sent to the Assembly for a vote.

Opposition in protest, cabinet under pressure

For several months, the Albanian opposition has organized a series of national protests, with the main demands being the removal of Balluk from the government, and further the overthrow of the "Rama" cabinet. Protesters have announced another rally this Saturday (February 28).

Meanwhile, the departure of Defense Minister Pirro Vengu comes at a time when the Armed Forces are engaged in the southeast of the country, following the collapse of the "Librazhd - Pogradec" axis, which has isolated this part of the country for more than five days.

Nine ministers were not affected by the cabinet reshuffle. Among them is the Minister for Artificial Intelligence, "Diella", who remains in office, but is still facing a lawsuit from actress Anila Bisha. The latter is seeking damages of 1 million euros for the use of her image and voice in the creation of the ministerial avatar without her consent. /DW