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President of Albania
Presidenti i Shqipërisë
Seal
Presidential seal
Flag
Presidential standard
Incumbent
Bajram Begaj
since 24 July 2022
StyleHis Excellency (diplomatic)
TypeHead of state
ResidencePallati Presidencial
SeatPresidenca, Tirana
AppointerParliament
Term lengthFive years,
renewable once
Constituting instrumentConstitution
Inaugural holderRamiz Alia
Formation30 April 1991; 33 years ago (1991-04-30)
SalaryL425,000
Websitepresident.al

The president of Albania (Albanian: Presidenti i Shqipërisë), officially the president of the Republic of Albania (Albanian: Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë), is the head of state of Albania.

History

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1912–1990

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In the wake of the Albanian independence on 28 November 1912, Ismail Qemali assumed the role of the inaugural head of government and the de facto head of state of Independent Albania.[1] On 22 January 1914, due to a convergence of political circumstances and external pressures, Qemali resigned from both roles.[2] During this interval, the Great Powers wielded significant influence in the selection of Prince Wilhelm as the subsequent head of state.[3] The incumbency of Wilhelm was short-lived, largely due to the impending outbreak of World War I, which prompted his resignation and departure from Albania on 3 September 1914.[4] A persistent pattern of political crises and internal turmoil continued to influence Albania's political landscape until 1920.[5] With the culmination of World War I, delegates from various Albanian regions convened at the Congress of Lushnjë on 28 January 1920.[6] At this assembly, they formed the Këshilli i Naltë i Regjencës, a collective institution consisting of four members representing the four major religions in Albania, assigned with the role of the head of state.[7][8][9] Then, on 31 January 1925, in the aftermath of the dissolution of the principality of Albania, the nation was proclaimed as a parliamentary pepublic.[10][11] Within the Constitutional Assembly, its members proceeded to elect Ahmet Zogu as the inaugural president of Albania. The incumbency of Zogu extended until 1 September 1928, when he orchestrated the transition of Albania into a monarchy and ascended to the throne as King of Albania until 1939. However, the role of the president was then interrupted by the onset of World War II, marked by Italy's occupation until 1943, followed by Germany's occupation until 1944. Under the leadership of Enver Hoxha, the People's Assembly proclaimed the formation of the People's Republic of Albania in January 1946.[12][13] During this period, the function of the head of state underwent a significant change and adapted into a collective institution referred to as the Chairman of the Presidium of the People's Assembly.[14][15][16] This position was first held by Omer Nishani from 12 January 1946 to 23 July 1953, followed by the incumbency of Haxhi Lleshi from 23 July 1953 to 22 November 1982, and concluded with the term of Ramiz Alia from 22 November 1982 to 30 April 1991.[17]

1991–present

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Responding to widespread protests after the collapse of communism in Albania in December 1990, the regime under the leadership of Ramiz Alia granted its approval for the first multi-party elections in March 1991. Alia represented the Party of Labour (PPSh) and secured the election while retaining as the president of Albania after being elected by the parliament. Subsequently, facing particular opposition from the Democratic Party (PD), he failed to form a coalition government and garner international recognition, resulting in his resignation 3 April 1992. After Alia's departure, the Democratic Party, which had gained substantial support amidst the political and social turmoil, won a landslide victory in the elections held in March 1992.[18] Consequently, on 9 April 1992, the People's Assembly elected Sali Berisha as the successor president of Albania.[19] This marked a pivotal shift in the political landscape, as it represented the first instance of a non-communist head of state since 1945.[19] Berisha's presidency faced a succession of substantial challenges that undermined his governance. A notable event was the 1994 referendum on a proposed constitution, which resulted in a rejection by the majority of voters.[20][21] The subsequent elections in May 1996 were characterised by controversy and allegations of electoral fraud, precipitating widespread protests from opposition parties and heightened political tensions. This unrest intensified in 1997 as the collapse of pyramid schemes precipitated widespread socio-economic instability, culminating in the Albanian civil unrest, which resulted in a humanitarian crisis and necessitated international intervention.[22][23] Amid tense negotiations conducted under international supervision, Berisha eventually resigned on 23 July 1997.[22] Early elections were conducted in June 1997, resulting in a decisive victory for the Socialist Party (PS), which had garnered substantial support during the crisis. Consequently, on 24 July 1997, the parliament of Albania elected Rexhep Meidani as the incumbent president.[24] Meidani's presidency was entrusted with the objectives of stabilising the nation, fostering democratic institutions, and promoting economic revitalisation.[25][26] He advocated for the independence of Kosovo during the Kosovo War, wherein he endeavored to support the aspirations of the ethnic Albanian population in the region.[27][28] Notably, in November 1998, his presidency witnessed the adoption of the current constitution, which formed a framework for a parliamentary constitutional republic and strengthened the nation's rule of law.[29]

Following the conclusion of the fifth presidential election, Alfred Moisiu was inaugurated as the president of Albania on 24 July 2002.[30] This election was notable as it was the first presidential election conducted under the constitutional reform instituted in November 1998, which mandated that the president maintain political neutrality by prohibiting membership in any political party.[29] In succession to Moisiu, Bamir Topi was elected in the sixth presidential election and assumed office on 24 July 2007.[31] Topi's presidency prioritised Albania's integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures, a commitment that culminated in the nation's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in April 2009.[32][33] Subsequently, Bujar Nishani was elected as the president in the seventh presidential election, taking office on 24 July 2012.[34] Nishani continued the trajectory toward the nation's European Union (EU) membership, further emphasising the necessity of judicial reforms to align standards with those required by the EU.[35][36] Furthermore, he emerged as a strong proponent of Kosovo and the Albanian people, actively supporting its independence and endorsing Kosovo's participation in various multilateral activities.[37] During the eighth presidential election, Ilir Meta was elected as the president of Albania on 24 July 2017.[38] His presidency was marked by notable political controversy, most prominently his impeachment by the parliament in June 2021, which rendered him the first president in the nation's history to face such a measure.[39] This decision was subsequently annulled by the Constitutional Court of Albania, which ruled that the evidence against him did not constitute a grave violation of the constitution.[40] On 24 July 2022, succeeding the ninth presidential election, Bajram Begaj commenced his presidency.[41] Emphasising his role as a servant to the Albanian people, Begaj advocates for national unity and supports the Euro-Atlantic path for all Albanians in the Balkans.[42] He articulates a vision centered on fostering cooperation among political forces, civil society, and minority communities, recognising the importance of collaboration in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Albania.[42][43]

Election

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The election of the president is regulated by the constitution are outlined in its fourth part within articles 86 to 94.[44] Elected for a five-year term, the president may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. To be eligible for candidacy, individuals must fulfill several criteria as delineated in the constitution: they must be Albanian citizens by birth, have resided in Albania for no less than the past 10 years, be at least 40 years of age, and possess the right to vote.[45] The constitution mandates that the president shall not occupy any other public office, be affiliated with any political party, or engage in private business activities.[46] The electoral process is initiated by the parliament, which is responsible for scheduling elections at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the incumbent term of the president.[47] Candidates are nominated through a formal process in which a group of at least 20 deputies of the total 140 deputies of the parliament may propose an individual for the presidency.[47]

Presidential elections are conducted by the parliament through a secret ballot without debate, requiring a candidate to secure a majority of three-fifths of all deputies of the parliament.[47] If this majority is not achieved in the first ballot, a second ballot is held within seven days, followed by a third ballot if necessary. If no candidate receives the required majority after the third ballot, a fourth ballot occurs within seven days, limited to the two candidates with the highest votes from the previous round.[47] If neither candidate secures the necessary majority in the fourth ballot, a fifth ballot is conducted. If, after the fifth ballot, neither candidate achieves the required majority, the parliament is dissolved, necessitating subsequent parliamentary elections within 60 days.[47] The successive elected parliament is then responsible for electing the president according to the procedures regulated in the constitution. Further, if the parliament fails to elect a president, it correspondingly will be dissolved, requiring another round of general elections within the same period.[47]

The president begins their functions after taking an oath before the parliament, pledging to uphold the constitution and laws, respect the rights and freedoms of citizens, protect the independence of the nation, and serve the general interest and progress of the people.[48] The term of office for the president is defined at five years, with the possibility of re-election for a maximum of two consecutive terms.[48] In the event that a president resigns before the end of their term, they are prohibited from being a candidate in the subsequent presidential election.[48] When the president is temporarily unable to exercise their functions or if the office becomes vacant, the speaker of the parliament assumes the responsibilities of the president.[49] If the president is unable to fulfill their functions for more than 60 days, the parliament must decide, by a two-thirds majority, whether to refer the issue to the constitutional court.[49] The court determines the incapacity of the president, and if incapacity is confirmed, the election of a successive president must commence within 10 days of such determination.[49]

Mandate

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The president serves as the head of state and embodies the unity of the Albanian people. The president completes a constitutional role defined by the legal framework of Albania.


Foreign affairs

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See also: Foreign relations of Albania

The cooperation between the president and the government is integral to the formulation and implementation of the foreign policy of Albania.

Symbols

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[50][51]

The flag and standard of the president of Albania represent the integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

List

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For a more comprehensive list, see List of heads of state of Albania.
List of presidents of Albania
No. Portrait Name Term Party[a] Election Ref.
Start End Duration
1 Photograph Ahmet Zogu
(1895 – 1961) 		31 January
1925 		1 September
1928 		3 years, 7 months and 2 days Conservative 1925 [53]
2 Photograph Ramiz Alia
(1925–2011) 		30 April
1991 		3 April
1992 		11 months and 5 days Socialist 1991 [54]
3 Photograph Sali Berisha
(born 1944) 		9 April
1992 		23 July
1997 		5 years, 3 months and 15 days Democrat 1992 [55]
4
Pavel Hradečný.jpg
 Rexhep Meidani
(born 1944) 		24 July
1997 		24 July
2002 		5 years and 1 day Socialist 1997 [24]
5 Photograph Alfred Moisiu
(born 1929) 		24 July
2002 		24 July
2007 		5 years and 1 day None 2002 [30]
6 Photograph Bamir Topi
(born 1957) 		24 July
2007 		24 July
2012 		5 years and 1 day 2007 [31]
7 Photograph Bujar Nishani
(1966–2022) 		24 July
2012 		24 July
2017 		5 years and 1 day 2012 [34]
8 Photograph Ilir Meta
(born 1969) 		24 July
2017 		24 July
2022 		5 years and 1 day 2017 [38]
9 Photograph Bajram Begaj
(born 1967) 		24 July
2022 		Incumbent 2 years, 3 months and 19 days 2022 [41]

Timeline

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Bajram BegajIlir MetaBujar NishaniBamir TopiAlfred MoisiuRexhep MeidaniSali BerishaRamiz AliaAhmet Zogu

Notes

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  1. ^ As defined by article 89 of the Albanian constitution since 1998, the president is prohibited from maintaining affiliation with any political party, leading politicians to renounce their affiliations for the duration of their presidential term.[52]

References

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  1. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 369
  2. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 76
  3. ^ Elsie 2010, p. lx
  4. ^ Elsie 2010, p. lx
  5. ^ Elsie 2010, p. lx
  6. ^ Elsie 2010, pp. 88–89
  7. ^ Elsie 2010, pp. 88–89
  8. ^ USASF 1943, pp. 16–18
  9. ^ "The American Political Science Review, Volume 20, Number 1". JSTOR. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  10. ^ Elsie 2010, p. lx
  11. ^ Elsie 2010, p. xxxv
  12. ^ Anamali 2002, p. 175: "Të nesërmen, më 11 janar, ajo e shpalli Shqipërinë Republikë Popullore"
  13. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 91
  14. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 280
  15. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 329
  16. ^ 8 Nëntori 1976, p. 342: "Presidiumi i Kuvendit Popullor konsiderohet zakonisht si një kryetar kolegjial shteti."
  17. ^ Lentz 2014, pp. 22–23
  18. ^ Elsie 2010, p. lxix
  19. ^ a b Elsie 2010, p. 48
  20. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 91
  21. ^ Çullhaj, Florian (2016). Democratization from Within Political Culture and the Consolidation of Democracy in Post-communist Albania. Edizioni Nuova cultura. p. 63. ISBN 978-8-868-12825-8. Retrieved 10 October 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ a b Elsie 2010, p. 49
  23. ^ Watkins 2003, p. 77
  24. ^ a b "President i Shqipërisë: Rexhep Meidani" (in Albanian). Presidenca. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  25. ^ Leftwich Curry, Jane; Wolchik, Sharon L. (29 March 2018). Central and East European Politics From Communism to Democracy. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 410. ISBN 978-1-538-10089-9. Retrieved 10 October 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ^ Roszkowski, Wojciech (2015). East Central Europe A Concise History. Instytut Studiów Politycznych Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Instytut Jagielloński. p. 458. ISBN 978-8-365-97220-0. Retrieved 10 October 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ^ Abrahams, Fred C. (March 2016). Modern Albania From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe. New York University Press. p. 268. ISBN 978-1-479-83809-7. Retrieved 10 October 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  28. ^ "Meidani: Ç'bëra unë për Kosovën". Shqiptarja. 29 April 2000. Retrieved 10 October 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ^ a b "Constitution of the Republic of Albania". Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Archived from the original on 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  30. ^ a b "President i Shqipërisë: Alfred Moisiu" (in Albanian). Presidenca. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  31. ^ a b "President i Shqipërisë: Bamir Topi" (in Albanian). Presidenca. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  32. ^ "Nato member countries". North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 8 June 2023. Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  33. ^ "Ceremony marks the accession of Albania and Croatia to Nato". North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 7 April 2009. Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  34. ^ a b "President i Shqipërisë: Bujar Nishani" (in Albanian). Presidenca. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  35. ^ "Betohet Presidenti Nishani: Kjo përgjegjësia më e madhe". Shqiptarja (in Albanian). 24 July 2012. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  36. ^ "Nishani takes Presidential Office". Top Channel. 24 July 2012. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  37. ^ Shala, Bashkim (28 May 2022). "Bujar Nishani – burrështetasi që i përfaqësoi me dinjitet shqiptarët dhe Shqipërinë". Koha (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  38. ^ a b "President i Shqipërisë: Ilir Meta" (in Albanian). Presidenca. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  39. ^ "Parliament votes in favor of impeaching President Ilir Meta". Euronews Albania. 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  40. ^ Semini, Llazar (17 February 2022). "Albania court overturns president's impeachment". The Independent. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Fjala e Presidentit të Republikës, Sh. T. Z. Bajram Begaj gjatë ceremonisë së betimit në Kuvendin e Shqipërisë" (in Albanian). Presidenca. 24 July 2022. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  42. ^ a b "President Bajram Begaj takes office". Tirana Times. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  43. ^ Semini, Llazar (24 July 2022). "Albania's newly sworn-in president urges political unity". Associated Press (AP). Archived from the original on 11 October 2024. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  44. ^ OSCE 1998, pp. 17–18.
  45. ^ OSCE 1998, p. 17, article 86.
  46. ^ OSCE 1998, p. 18, article 89.
  47. ^ a b c d e f OSCE 1998, p. 17, article 87.
  48. ^ a b c OSCE 1998, p. 17, article 88.
  49. ^ a b c OSCE 1998, p. 18, article 91.
  50. ^ "Kreu i Shtetit shqiptar miraton simbolet e Institucionit të Presidentit të Republikës" (in Albanian). Tirana: Presidenca. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 17 December 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  51. ^ Struga, Anila (11 July 2014). "Presidenti Nishani miraton simbolet e Presidencës" (in Albanian). Tirana: Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA). Retrieved 23 October 2024. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  52. ^ OSCE 1998, p. 18.
  53. ^ Elsie 2010, p. xxxv
  54. ^ Elsie 2010, p. 9
  55. ^ Elsie 2010, pp. 48–49

Sources

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