Albania has started evaluating the performance of public institution leaders as part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening meritocracy and accountability in public administration.

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the process during the presentation of the new “Merit Scale” initiative, alongside Minister of Public Administration Adea Pirdeni.

Rama stressed that meritocracy should not be just a requirement the state places on public employees. Instead, it should also guarantee that good performance receives recognition and professional skills determine career advancement.

He also highlighted the need for greater accountability among public institution leaders. According to Rama, the government launched an assessment process around ten days ago for managers of several institutions that provide services directly to citizens.

However, he clarified that the initiative does not aim simply to replace officials or change names at the top of institutions. Instead, it seeks to identify concrete results and distinguish effective leadership from routine management and poor performance.

Rama said the government would recognise and protect managers who demonstrate professionalism and deliver positive results. Meanwhile, those who repeatedly fail to address problems or take responsibility could face consequences.

He added that these changes must not disrupt public services or Albania’s EU accession negotiations.

Furthermore, Rama stressed that institutional leadership must go hand in hand with results and accountability. He said public institutions should make accountability part of their daily operations rather than address it only when problems become public.

The Prime Minister also explained that the creation of the Ministry of Public Administration aims to establish clear institutional responsibility for managing the country’s human resources.

The ministry will continue reforms focused on public administration, institutional organisation, professional development, good governance and accountability.

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