Just days after declaring independence, Albania formed its first government. On 4 December 1912, the Provisional Government of Vlorë came into power.

Prime Minister Ismail Qemali led the government. Dom Nikoll Kaçorri served as Deputy Prime Minister. The cabinet had ten members. They received support from well-known political and cultural figures.

Despite the First Balkan War, many regions recognized the government. Still, its authority mainly covered the Vlorë–Berat–Lushnjë area.

The government acted quickly. It declared Albanian the official language. It opened schools and built a judicial system based on European models. Notably, it issued the “Provisional Kanun of Civil Administration” (1913), defining local administration.

On the diplomatic front, the government sought international recognition. However, the Great Powers refused for political and geopolitical reasons. As a result, in January 1914, following a plot by Beqir Grebene, Qemali resigned. Power passed to the International Control Commission.

Although short-lived, the Provisional Government of Vlorë led Albania’s early steps toward sovereignty and state-building.

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