Niko Peleshi became the new Speaker of the Assembly of Albania today. MPs voted for him during the first session of the new legislature.

The session opened with the report of the Temporary Mandates Verification Commission. Afterward, the newly elected MPs took their oath.

Following the oath, MPs voted for the new Speaker. Peleshi, a Socialist Party MP, secured 84 votes in favor and 3 against. Out of 138 MPs present, only 87 participated in the vote. Opposition MPs refused to take part and instead dropped posters with accusations against the majority into the ballot box.

The new legislature emerged from the May 11 elections. According to the Constitution, the Assembly’s mandate lasts four years.

With the election of the Speaker, a new session will follow for the presentation of the program of the Council of Ministers and the vote on the new government.

The Socialist Party, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, won the May 11 elections with 83 mandates, ensuring a fourth governing term. The Democratic Party-led coalition ranked second with 50 mandates. The Social Democratic Party won 3, the Opportunity Party 2, “Albania is Made” 1, and the Together Movement 1.

/a.p./