President signs decrees for Rama’s new cabinet and virtual minister
President Bajram Begaj has signed the decrees appointing Albania’s new cabinet ministers, just days after mandating Edi Rama to form his fourth government. The decrees cover 16 ministries and include the creation of a first-of-its-kind virtual ministry led by an AI “minister” named Diella, tasked with overseeing public procurement.
Why is this important: The decrees come after just half the time the Constitution allows the president for such appointments, signaling an effort to swiftly transition to the new government ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary confidence vote. The opposition has labeled the decree giving the Prime Minister direct responsibility for establishing and overseeing the virtual ministry as unconstitutional, promising heated debate in parliament.
Context: Rama unveiled the cabinet lineup at the Socialist Party National Assembly. Key reappointments include Belinda Balluku, who remains Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, and Petrit Malaj, who continues as Finance Minister.
Elisa Spiropali leaves her parliamentary leadership post to become Foreign Minister, while Albana Koçiu moves from Health to Interior Minister — the first woman to head the ministry. Pirro Vengu stays at Defense, Blendi Gonxhja takes charge of the newly restructured Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, and Adea Pirdeni and Majlinda Dhuka retain their state minister roles. Mirela Kumbaro becomes Education Minister, and Delina Ibrahimaj will lead the restructured Economy and Innovation Ministry.
Among the newcomers are Besfort Lamallari (Justice), Evis Sala (Health and Social Welfare), Sofjan Jaupaj (Environment), Andis Salla (Agriculture and Rural Development), Ervin Demo (State Minister for Local Government), and Toni Gogu (State Minister for Relations with Parliament).
Friday’s decree also formalized Rama’s responsibility for establishing the virtual ministry — a move that has already sparked controversy and is expected to dominate the upcoming parliamentary session.
Next steps: The parliament will convene Thursday to hold a vote of confidence for the new government and its program. Opposition parties are preparing to challenge the constitutionality of the president’s decree on the AI-led ministry, potentially setting up a major political showdown in the opening days of Rama’s fourth mandate.
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