In an unexpected turn of events, Albania’s ruling Socialist Party witnessed a significant shake-up as Edi Rama, the party’s leader and the country’s Prime Minister, dismissed the entire secretariat of the political force under his leadership, including Secretary General Damian Gjiknuri. The decision was announced during a crucial meeting of the National Assembly of Socialists, where only Edi Rama himself addressed the attendees.
During the transitional period, the role of Secretary General will be temporarily filled by Blendi Klosi. The Socialists are planning to convene another Assembly and hold an extraordinary congress at the end of September or early October to address these changes.
The dismissal of Damian Gjiknuri came as a surprise, particularly since the Socialists had achieved a resounding victory in the recent local elections on May 14. This outcome exposed certain deficiencies in the party’s internal functioning, prompting Rama’s bold move. The simultaneous dismissal of seven other party secretaries seems to be an attempt to divert attention from the main target, Gjiknuri.
This is not the first time Edi Rama has utilized such tactics. Back in March 2017, he removed former Minister of Interior Saimir Tahiri and former Minister of Health Ilir Beqja, both of whom had been embroiled in public controversies for some time. Interestingly, Rama also used this opportunity to replace two other ministers.
Notably, Damian Gjiknuri has been a prominent figure criticized by the opposition for his involvement in the incinerators issue. He had previously held the Minister of Energy and Industry portfolio from 2013 to 2017 and subsequently served as the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy for just over a year.
His name had also surfaced in a recent dossier concerning former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. The dossier alleged that in at least two instances, the entrepreneurs awarded incinerator contracts had paid for Gjiknuri’s foreign hotel stays. However, Gjiknuri vehemently denied these claims, stating that these were work-related visits and all expenses were appropriately covered by the ministry. Supporting documents published by the press confirmed his statements.
In another significant move, the Socialist assembly approved the appointment of former Minister of Interior Bledi Çuçi as the head of the Socialist Parliamentary Group. This marks a complete reshuffling alongside Taulant Balla, who assumed the position of Minister of Interior.
