Prime Minister Edi Rama held the first government meeting of his third mandate, right after the new ministers swore in front of the president.

The first decision was an affirmation to respect the ethical code established in 2003. Rama emphasized that traveling in business class is not allowed, as well as going abroad for holidays, or lunch breaks during working hours.

“The Code says that no minister should accept flight tickets for themselves, or their families, from private companies, and also not use the VIP area at the airport if they’re not traveling for work. The same goes for the vehicles of the government’s members. They should respect the Road Code, like all citizens, except for an emergency. Also, using the vehicle for family members is not allowed”, said Rama.

In case of misconduct, ministers will have to make a public apology, or step down if the incident is repeated more than once, and this applies to the Prime Minister as well, said Rama.

The head of the executive called on his cabinet to show maximum commitment to the needs of the citizens.

“Service to the people must be the Bible and the Quran”, appealed Rama.

Among others, he introduced the public to a project called “new national project for strengthening co-governance with the citizens”.

“To conclude, I want to share with you a new national project which aims to foster a spirit of cooperation with the people. Co-governance is not only about them complaining and us solving the problem, but it is about sharing opinions on decisions of particular importance”.

He said that the government will invite citizens to be part of consultations on topics and matters of national priority, regardless of which party they vote for.

“I want from this government to invite the people, regardless of their political affiliation, to participate in consultations for decisions, that not only require braveness, but also the involvement of citizens beyond their political beliefs”.