TIRANA, March 5 – Assembly approved changes to the government cabinet after voting on the decrees issued by President Bajram Begaj. The voting process took place amid protests from the opposition, which blocked the parliamentary podium.

Lawmakers endorsed the dismissal of several ministers, including Belinda Balluku, Elisa Spiropali, Pirro Vengu, Albana Koçiu, Besfort Lamallari and Toni Gogu from their respective posts.

Parliament also approved several new appointments to the cabinet. Albana Koçiu took the post of deputy prime minister. Ferit Hoxha became minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, while Besfort Lamallari took over the Interior Ministry. Ermal Nufi assumed the role of defence minister. Toni Gogu was appointed justice minister, Enea Karakaçi took charge of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, and Erjona Ismaili became minister of state for relations with Parliament.

Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed the cabinet reshuffle during a meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group on 26 February.

/a.p./