Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama reshuffled his cabinet this week, removing several senior ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku and Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali, in changes that analysts described as overdue and politically driven.
The overhaul, announced during a meeting of the ruling Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, also saw Defence Minister Pirro Vengu replaced by Ermal Nufi.
Speaking on Friday during a ceremony marking the delivery of U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Albania’s Land Force Command in Zall Herr, Vengu said it had been a privilege to lead the defence ministry.
“It has been an honour to leave this mark together with our partners at this moment of transition,” Vengu said, adding that investment in defence was not a luxury but a necessity.
“Serious states invest at the right time, not when it is too late,” he said, highlighting Albania’s cooperation with the United States and its commitment to NATO obligations.
Under the reshuffle, Albana Koçiu was appointed deputy prime minister, replacing Balluku. Enea Karakaçi was named infrastructure and energy minister, taking over Balluku’s previous portfolio. Ferit Hoxha, Albania’s former ambassador to the United Nations, was appointed foreign minister.
Besfort Lamallari moved from justice minister to interior minister, while Toni Gogu was named justice minister. Erjona Ismaili was appointed minister for relations with parliament.
Balluku’s dismissal comes months after Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) charged her over alleged violations related to public tenders, accusations she denies. Rama said he had previously rejected her resignation three times before deciding on the changes.
Political analysts said the move was delayed and insufficient, arguing it aimed to ease international pressure without significantly altering internal power dynamics within the ruling Socialist Party.
Afrim Krasniqi, head of the Institute for Political Studies in Tirana, said the deputy prime minister’s dismissal was “a positive but late and insufficient step,” adding that parliament should allow a full investigation to proceed.
Ilir Kalemaj, a political science lecturer, described the reshuffle as a “political paradox,” noting the lack of a public performance review accompanying the changes.
Separately, Spiropali said in a Facebook post that political positions are temporary and that her commitment to Albania’s Western orientation remains unchanged.
“Positions are temporary, while the mark one leaves behind is a conscious choice,” she wrote, thanking the Socialist Party and Rama for their trust.
The reshuffle comes as Albania continues its European Union accession process and faces scrutiny over governance and rule-of-law reforms.