Rama Government

Rama Government
8th cabinet of Albania
Incumbent

Cabinet of Ministers
Date formed 15 September 2013
People and organisations
Head of government Edi Rama
Deputy head of government
Head of state Bujar Nishani
Member party Alliance for a European Albania
(led by the Socialist Party)
Status in legislature Coalition
History
Election(s) 2013
Predecessor Berisha

The Rama Government is the cabinet of Albania after being confirmed in September 2013. The government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, follows the 2013 election

Formation

Following the 2013 election, the Socialist Party-led Alliance for a European Albania won a majority of seats to parliament and formed the government. There is a record six women in the cabinet, which is a regional precedent as well. Rama said: "A team has been built with almost 90 percent of people sitting for the first time in the ministerial chair and probably with more women that all the governments of Albania have had all together in these 20 years."[1]

Cabinet

Ministry[2] Minister
Prime Minister Edi Rama
Deputy Prime Minister of Albania Niko Peleshi
Ministry of Finance Arben Ahmetaj
Ministry of Internal Affairs Saimir Tahiri
Ministry of Defence Mimi Kodheli
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati
Ministry of European Integration Klajda Gjosha
Ministry of Justice Ylli Manjani
Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Enterprise Milva Ekonomi
Ministry of Energy and Industry Damian Gjiknuri
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto
Ministry of Urban Development Eglantina Gjermeni
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Management Edmond Panariti
Ministry of Health Ilir Beqaj
Ministry of Education and Sport Lindita Nikolla
Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth Blendi Klosi
Ministry of Culture Mirela Kumbaro
Ministry of Environment Lefter Koka
Minister of State for Relations with Parliament Ermonela Felaj
Ministry of Innovation and Public Administration Milena Harito
Minister of State for Local Governance Bledi Çuçi

Issues

Amongst its first issues was a reshuffling of the domestic security infrastructure boost security and combat an increasing crime rate. In announcing the change, Rama said "We have inherited a security situation unthinkable for a country that is not in a state of war or armed conflict." The changes entailed a less centralised in order to be closer to the community. In this regard, the number of high-ranking officers was reduced from 811 to 255, the head of the General Directorate of Police Hysni Burgaj was replaced by former special forces commander Artan Didi and the heads of the police in the 12 administrative regions were also replaced, while units like the traffic police were disbanded.[3]

Looking to gain membership to the European Union, it has gained the support of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, he becoming an advisor to the government.[4] It has also gained the support of the multiple EU governments to help propel it forward towards EU integration.

On 16 October 2013 the European Commission released its annual reports on prospective member states which concluded that the Albanian election was held in an "orderly manner" and that progress had been made in meeting other conditions and as such recommended granting Albania candidate status.[5] On 5 December 2013 in an MEP meeting it was recommended that "...the Council should acknowledge the progress made by Albania by granting it candidate status without undue delay."[6] However, several states, including Denmark and the Netherlands, remained opposed to granting Albania candidate status,[7] and at a December 2013 meeting the Council of the European Union put off the decision until June 2014.[8]

As done during his tenure as Mayor of Tirana, Rama stresses the modernization of public services and has started the process of modernizing and restoring customs and also employed the English "Crown Agents", to help reform the customs.[9] Also done when mayor, the demolition of buildings by the NUCI, the National Urban Construction Institution, is an important matter for keeping the coast and Albania authentic.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Albania Sets Gender Precedent In Region Eurasia Review". Eurasiareview.com. 2013-08-10. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  2. ↑ "Albania's New Prime Minister Edi Rama Announces Cabinet - OpEd Eurasia Review". Eurasiareview.com. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  3. ↑ Besar Likmeta (2013-05-03). "New Albania Govt Restructures Police Force". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  4. ↑ "BBC News - Tony Blair joins Albania's campaign to join European Union". Bbc.co.uk. 2013-10-03. Retrieved 2013-11-17.
  5. ↑ "EU enlargement: priorities for 2014". European Commission. 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
  6. ↑ "ViEU integration: progress reports for Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Iceland". European Parliament. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  7. ↑ "Serbia Expected To Get EU Membership Boost; Delay For Albania". 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
  8. ↑ "Council conclusions on Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process" (PDF). Council of the European Union. 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2013-12-17.
  9. ↑ http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/161472/albania-seeks-foreign-experts-to-increase-pace-of-reforms.html
  10. ↑ http://www.top-channel.tv/artikull.php?id=271634
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