Socialist MP and former Premier Bashkim Fino passed away today at the age of 59, after losing the battle with Covid 19.

Bashkim Fino was born in Tirana on October 12th 1962. He graduated from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy, majoring in Finance. In 1992, Fino was elected Mayor of Gjirokastra and served until 1996.

The peak of his career would be 1997, when he was elected Prime Minister in the government of the National Reconciliation, following the civil unrest in the south of the country. He kept the post from March until July of that same year.

From 1997 and onward, he was a member of the Socialist Party executive. Fino has served as minister in several administrations. He served as Minister of the Local Government as well as vice/PM. From 1999 until 2001, he was Minister of Local Government. In 2001-2002, Minister of Public Affairs and Tourism, whereas from 2004-2005, he served as Minister of the Regulation of the Territory and Tourism.