Cakaj out, Xhaçka and Peleshi in new Ministries

Gent Cakaj will not be minister of Foreign Affairs anymore. Olta Xhaçka, minister of Defense, will take his place. Meanwhile, Niko Peleshi will replace Xhaçka.

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, tweeted the news. “After a period of intensive work with dedication and professionalism from Gent Cakaj, it’s time to pass the role to Olta Xhaçka”.

Cakaj himself tweeted later that he had presented his resignation for personal reasons. “I leave with enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity & honor to serve Albania and its great people”.

Cakaj’s appointment as head of the Foreign Affairs in 2019 wasn’t accepted by President Ilir Meta initially. Meta didn’t decree Cakaj, arguing that he was “inexperienced and had dangerous attitudes”.

Later Rama acted by pointing himself as Minister of Foreign Affairs and delegated the role to Cakaj two days later.

Meanwhile, Olta Xhaçka, will replace Cakaj. In 2017 she was appointed as minister of Social Welfare and Youth. Then, in September 2017, she took the Ministry of Defense, which she held until now.

On the other hand, Niko Peleshi wasn’t part of the cabinet since January 2019. Previously, in 2013, he was appointed as vice prime minister in cabinet Rama I. Then, after the second win of the Socialist Party, he held the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development until January 2019.

These changes were unpredictable. Only a few weeks ago, there were changes after the minister of Interior Affairs, Sandër Lleshaj, resigned.

His place was taken by the ex minister of Agriculture, Bledi Çuçi. Çuçi’s place instead was taken my Socialist Party MP Milva Ekonomi.