# Rama III Government

The third Government of Prime Minister Edi Rama is the 67th ruling Government of the Republic of Albania. The Government was officially confirmed by President Ilir Meta on 18 September 2021. Following the 2021 election, the Socialist Party won, for the third consecutive time, a majority of seats in the Albanian Parliament, and, for the second consecutive time, the ability to form a government without the need for a coalition.

## Background

On 10 September 2021, the government of Prime Minister Rama received a vote of confidence in the Kuvendi. On 14 September, the President Ilir Meta decreed the government after all ministers were confirmed by the national anti-corruption agency, Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Subsequently, on 18 September at 10:00 (CET), Rama's third cabinet was officially sworn in during a formal ceremony presided over by President at Presidenca in Tirana. After the oath-taking, Rama convened an inaugural session with the newly appointed ministers, comprising 12 women and 5 men, marking their first summit as the Këshilli i Ministrave at Kryeministria. The cabinet received parliamentary approval with 77 votes in favor, amid ongoing discussions regarding President Meta's recent dismissal, which awaited a ruling from the Constitutional Court. The administration's agenda emphasised earthquake reconstruction, effective pandemic management, enhancement of welfare, and initiatives aimed at economic modernisation and the fortification of the rule of law.

## Cabinet

The Rama's III government differs slightly from the end of the previous mandate, making its key posts entrusted to the same ministers again. Ministers such as Belinda Balluku and Ogerta Manastirliu were reconfirmed in previous positions, taking into account the popularity won during the exercise of their duties. Both were ranked high in the polls, especially Ogerta Manastirliu for her actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Albania, which gave her a lot of popularity for the management of the situation despite the criticism.
The new Albanian government was widely praised for the dominance of women in ministerial posts. Out of 17 ministries, 12 will be led by women, making it fifth globally in women's representation in Cabinet, according to the latest United Nations. Rama himself in his speech in parliament described it as “This new government will enter history as the cabinet with the highest number of women”. In this new mandate, Arben Ahmetaj was also reconfirmed in office as Minister of State for Reconstruction and Reform Program, but was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister. Giving importance to the program of reconstruction and recovery from the consequences of the earthquake of November 2019, where damage was done to apartments, schools, cultural and historical objects, as well as infrastructure. On 11 January 2024, a new ministry, Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, is created to ease the negotiations for the accession of Albania to the European Union.
* An asterisk (*) indicates an elected member of the Albanian Parliament.
| Portfolio | Minister | Took office | Left office | Party | Party |
| Prime Minister | Edi Rama | 18 September 2021 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Arben Ahmetaj | 18 September 2021 | 28 July 2022 | * | PS |
| Deputy Prime Minister | Belinda Balluku | 28 July 2022 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation | Blendi Gonxhja | 10 January 2024 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Finance | Petrit Malaj | 30 July 2024 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Interior | Bledar Çuçi | 18 September 2021 | 8 July 2023 | * | PS |
| Ministry of Interior | Taulant Balla | 8 July 2023 | 30 July 2024 | | PS |
| Ministry of Interior | Ervin Hoxha | 30 July 2024 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Defence | Niko Peleshi | 18 September 2021 | 30 July 2024 | * | PS |
| Ministry of Defence | Pirro Vengu | 30 July 2024 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs | Olta Xhaçka | 18 September 2021 | 12 September 2023 | * | PS |
| Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs | Igli Hasani | 12 September 2023 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Justice | Ulsi Manja | 18 September 2021 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Minister of Infrastructure and Energy | Belinda Balluku | 18 September 2021 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth | Evis Kushi | 18 September 2021 | 11 September 2023 | * | PS |
| Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth | Ogerta Manastirliu | 11 September 2023 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Frida Krifca | 18 September 2021 | 11 September 2023 | | PS |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Anila Denaj | 11 September 2023 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Ministry of Health and Social Protection | Ogerta Manastirliu | 18 September 2021 | 11 September 2023 | | PS |
| Ministry of Health and Social Protection | Albana Koçiu | 11 September 2023 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Ministry of Tourism and Environment | Mirela Kumbaro (Furxhi) | 18 September 2021 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Minister of State for Relations with Parliament | Elisa Spiropali | 18 September 2021 | 30 July 2024 | * | PS |
| Minister of State for Relations with Parliament | Taulant Balla | 30 July 2024 | Incumbent | * | PS |
| Minister of State for Entrepreneurs | Edona Bilali | 18 September 2021 | 11 September 2023 | * | PS |
| Minister of State for Entrepreneurs | Delina Ibrahimaj | 11 September 2023 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Minister of State for Youth and Children | Bora Muzhaqi | 18 September 2021 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Minister of State and Chief Negotiator | Majlinda Dhuka | 28 July 2022 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Minister of State for Local Government | Arbjan Mazniku | 11 September 2023 | Incumbent | | PS |
| Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption | Adea Pirdeni | 10 January 2024 | Incumbent | | PS |

### Former Ministries

| Portfolio | Minister | Took office | Left office | Party | Party |
| Minister of State for Reconstruction and Reform Program | Arben Ahmetaj | 18 September 2021 | 28 July 2022 | | PS |
| Minister of State for Standards Services | Milva Ekonomi | 18 September 2021 | 11 September 2023 | * | PS |
| Ministry of Finances and Economy | Delina Ibrahimaj | 18 September 2021 | 10 January 2024 | | PS |
| Ministry of Culture | Elva Margariti | 18 September 2021 | 10 January 2024 | | PS |