On the morning of September 11, 2025, the Palace of Congresses in Tirana buzzed with anticipation as Albania’s Socialist Party Assembly gathered to unveil the country’s new government cabinet. The event, which followed the party’s resounding victory in the May 11 elections, marked the beginning of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s fourth consecutive term—a record in modern Albanian politics and a testament to the party’s enduring dominance.
Prime Minister Rama took to the stage to present the new cabinet and outline his administration’s vision for the next four years. The government’s program, he declared, would be guided by the ambitious slogan “Albania 2030 in the EU,” signaling a continued push for European Union integration and reforms aimed at modernizing the nation. According to RTSH, Rama’s opening remarks not only introduced the new team but also set the tone for a parliamentary season expected to be both energetic and contentious.
The day after the Assembly, on September 12, the newly elected Parliament was scheduled to convene for its first session. The process was clear: following a vote of confidence, the cabinet would be formally decreed and sworn in before President Bajram Begaj, cementing the Socialist Party’s control after winning 83 seats in the May elections—a clear majority and their fourth straight mandate.
But what does the new government look like? According to Koha, Rama’s “Rama 4” cabinet features both new faces and experienced hands. The line-up is as follows:
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy: Belinda Balluku
- Minister of Internal Affairs: Albana Koçiu
- Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs: Elisa Spiropali
- Minister of Finance: Petrit Malaj
- Minister of Environment: Sofjan Jaupaj
- Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sports: Blendi Gonxhja
- Minister of Education and Sports: Mirela Kumbaro
- Minister of Health: Evis Sala
- Minister of Economy and Innovation: Delina Ibrahmiaj
- Minister of Justice: Besfort Lamallari
- Minister of Defense: Pirro Vengu
- Minister of Agriculture: Andis Salla
- Minister of Local Government: Ervin Demo
- Minister for Parliamentary Relations: Toni Gogu
Additionally, Niko Peleshi was named Speaker of the Assembly, Klodiana Spahiu as Deputy Speaker, and Taulant Balla as the leader of the Socialist Party parliamentary group.
The unveiling of the cabinet was not without its critics. Sali Berisha, chairman of the opposition Democratic Party, wasted no time in offering his take on the new government. After leaving a meeting of his party’s parliamentary group, Berisha addressed reporters, dismissing the cabinet’s composition as a strategic ploy. “The names are to attract attention,” he asserted, according to CNA. Berisha further suggested that Rama’s focus was shifting toward the upcoming Tirana Municipality elections, particularly with the reconfirmation of Pirro Vengu as Minister of Defense—a figure Berisha implied might play a key role in the local contest.
When pressed about the Democratic Party’s own plans for the mayoral race in Tirana, Berisha was characteristically blunt: “Of course we have a candidate, we won't pull him out of the mud.” His comments underscored the ongoing rivalry between Albania’s two major parties and hinted at a heated campaign season ahead.
Beyond the political theater, the composition of the new cabinet reflects both continuity and change. Several ministers are returning to key posts, suggesting a desire for stability and experience as the government pursues its EU ambitions. Belinda Balluku, for instance, remains a central figure as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, while Mirela Kumbaro continues to oversee Education and Sports. The inclusion of new names, such as Petrit Malaj at Finance and Sofjan Jaupaj at Environment, signals a willingness to refresh the ranks and perhaps introduce new policy directions.
Rama’s government faces a complex set of challenges. The path toward EU membership remains fraught with hurdles, including judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and the need for sustained economic growth. The slogan “Albania 2030 in the EU” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a roadmap that will require deft political maneuvering and broad-based support, both domestically and among European partners.
Meanwhile, the government’s focus on local elections, especially in Tirana, reflects the importance of municipal politics in shaping national fortunes. As reported by CNA, Rama has demanded that the Tirana Municipality elections be prioritized, a move likely designed to consolidate the Socialist Party’s influence in the capital and maintain momentum heading into the next phase of governance.
The opposition, for its part, is gearing up for a fight. Berisha’s remarks—sharp, dismissive, and pointed—suggest a strategy centered on challenging the legitimacy and effectiveness of the new cabinet. By framing the appointments as media distractions, the Democratic Party hopes to keep public attention on issues of governance, transparency, and accountability.
Observers note that the Socialist Party’s resounding win in May, securing 83 seats, gives Rama significant latitude to implement his agenda. Yet, as Albania’s political history has shown, large majorities can also breed complacency or invite internal dissent. The coming months will test the cohesion of the “Rama 4” cabinet and the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
Internationally, Albania’s new government steps onto a European stage that is itself in flux. With the EU facing its own internal debates and geopolitical pressures, Tirana’s bid for membership will require both diplomatic finesse and sustained reform at home. The government’s program, as outlined by Rama, emphasizes modernization, infrastructure, and cultural promotion—areas that have already begun to attract foreign investment and media attention. Recent praise from The New York Times and other outlets for Albania’s natural beauty and hospitality underscores the country’s growing profile as a destination for tourism and expatriates alike.
As the new cabinet takes office, the eyes of both supporters and skeptics will be trained on their performance. Can the “Rama 4” team deliver on the promise of “Albania 2030 in the EU”? Will the opposition’s warnings of distraction and spectacle prove prescient, or will the government’s blend of experience and new talent chart a successful path forward?
For now, the stage is set, the actors have taken their places, and Albania’s political drama enters a new act—one that will shape the country’s future for years to come.
