Albanian president dismisses 7 ministers

World
Europe

Albanian President Ilir Meta has dismissed seven out of the eight ministers proposed by Prime Minister Edi Rama, announced the president's press office on Saturday.

The seven dismissed were Lindita Nikolla as Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, Damian Gjiknuri as Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Arben Ahmetaj as Minister of Finance and Economy, Niko Peleshi as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonila Qato as Minister of Entrepreneurship, and Mirela Kumbaro as Minister of Culture.

According to the press release, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati remains.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama (rear C) is seen after Endri Hasa, member of the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), threw an egg to him in Tirana, Albania on December 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Moreover, Meta has appointed Elisa Spiropali as state minister for relations with Parliament, Erjon Braçe as Deputy Prime Minister, and Bledi Cuci as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The new ministers are expected to be sworn in at the January 21 parliament session.

According to local media reports, Prime Minister Edi Rama has visited the presidency on Friday and has handed the dismissals and new appointments for the presidential decree.

On December 28, Rama announced the changes in the government, including the dismissals of seven ministers and the deputy prime minister and the appointment of a new state minister for relations with parliament.

(Top image: Albanian President Ilir Meta arriving for a State Dinner at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, France, for the centenary of the end of World War I on November 10, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency