Albanian Premier Edi Rama’s new cabinet offered only a few surprises. Excluding the unusual rise of a regional politician appointed as Deputy PM and the “modest” post for former PM Pandeli Majko, all the other appointments are a continuation of the Renaisance clan, particularly in the areas where there are bigger profits.

This is a summary of Rama’s new cabinet that will govern Albania from September.

Ms. Senida Mesi, Deputy Prime Minister

Senida Mesi, 40, was born and raised in Shkodër. Married to a doctor and mother of three, she finished her Executive Master in Finance and Banking in Frankurt. She joined politics in 2015, when she became a member of the Municipal Council of Shkodër.

Mr. Pandeli Majko, Minister of the Diaspora

Pandeli Majko, 50, a mechanical engineer and lawyer profession, reached the highest point of his political career in 1998, when he held the post of Prime Minister. He held the post for another 8-month period in 2002. Majko has also been twice Minister of Defense. Currently, Majko heads the Albanian Delegation to NATO-s Parliamentary Assembly.

Mr. Fatmir Xhafaj, Interior Minister

Fatmir Xhafa has been elected for four terms as a Socialist Party MP. He has a rich experience in the field of law. He has been Minister of the Territory Regulation and Tourism and Minister of Justice. Xhafaj served as Interior Minister for a short time before the June 25 elections, leaving the post when the caretaker cabinet was created.

Ms. Olta Xhaçka, Minister of Defense

Olta Xhaçka has a university degree for Political Sciences and International Relations and a Master of Arts (MA) for Public Administration from the Clark University, US.

She has been a teacher of the International Relations in the New York University of Tirana. A Socialist MP for two terms, she has also been the Minister of Social Welfare and Youth.

Mr. Ditmir Bushati, Foreign Minister

Ditmir Bushati has a law degree from the Leiden University, the Netherlands. He has worked as a legal assistant in the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Bushati is one of the ministers who kept their posts, being Minister of Justice in Rama’s first government.

Mr. Arben Ahmetaj, Minister of Economy and Labour

Arben Ahmetaj has graduated in English language and literature in Tirana University and has a Master for International Trade and Diplomacy from a US university. Ahmetaj has served as Minister of Economy and Minister of Finances in Rama’s first government.

Ms. Orgerta Manastirliu, Minister of Health and Social Care

Ogerta Manastirliu, 38, mother of two daughters, led the Directoriate of Housing and Social Service in the period 2005-2011. She was Director of the Hospital Universitary Center Mother Theresa from 2013 to March 2017, when she was appointed minister of Health.

Ms. Lindita Nikolla, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth

Lindita Nikolla has held the post of the Minister of Education in Rama’s government from 2013 up to the creation of the caretaker cabinet in May 2017, before the elections. Before getting involved in politivs, Nikolla has served as a teacher and school principal in the pre-universitary system.

Mr. Niko Peleshi , Minister of Agriculture

An electronic engineer by profession, Niko Peleshi served as Prefect of the County of Korçë and then was elected for two terms Mayor of Korçë, before joining the government as PM Rama’s deputy, after the elections of 2013.

Mr. Damian Gjiknuri, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

Damian Gjiknuri, 45, has obtained a Master in Public Policies and Law from the NPS School of Monterey, California, and one from the College of Law, London, UK.

Gjiknuri has served as Minister of Energy in Rama’s first cabinet, after serving in many other administrative functions.

Mr. Blendi Klosi, Minister of Tourism and Environment

Blendi Klosi, 46, is an electronic engineer by profession, with a long political career. He has served as Minister of State and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports in Fatos Nano’s Socialist government till 2005 and Minister of Social Welfare and Youth in Rama’s cabinet.

Syri.net