On December 4, 1912, following the Declaration of Independence on November 28, the first Albanian government was founded.

Its creation was decided by the National Assembly of Vlora in its first meeting on November 28, 1912. In its 5th session, on 04.12.1912, the Assembly, at the request of Ismail Qemali, determined the composition of the government itself. Ismail Qemali, in addition to the office of the head of the government, also held that of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Members of the Government were elected:

– Dom Nikoll Kaçorri, Deputy Prime Minister (until March 30, 1913);

– Mufit Libohova, Minister of Internal Affairs;

– Abdi Toptani, Minister of Finance (Azis Vrioni October 1913);

– Mehmet Pashë Deralla, Minister for War (Defense);

– Petro Poga, Minister of Justice;

– Luigj Gurakuqi, Minister of Education;

– Mit’hat Frashëri, Minister for World Affairs;

– Pandeli Cale, Minister of Agriculture;

– Lef Nosi, Minister of Post-Telegraph.

The 10 members of the government were prominent activists of the patriotic movement in Albania. The National Assembly of Vlora also elected the elders, which had to perform the functions of an advisory and supervisory body of the government. Vehbi Agolli was elected the chairman of the eldership. With these measures, the Vlora Assembly laid the foundations for the organization of the new Albanian State, relying on national forces. Although in extremely difficult conditions of the continuation of the Balkan War, many of the provinces joined the temporary Government of Vlora, recognizing it as the government of all Albania. From the point of view of the effective extent of its power, it operated in a narrow area at first, mainly in the Vlora-Berat-Lushnja triangle.

The interim government of Vlora achieved important results in the creation of the state apparatus. Several units of public order forces (gendarmerie) were established and organizational precautions were taken to replace a national army. The first foundation stones were laid for the creation of a judicial system according to European models. The Albanian language was announced as the official language and the opening of Albanian schools was decided from the fall of 1913. The most important legal act issued by the Provisional Government of Vlora was the “Temporary Canon of the Civil Administration of Albania”, which was published in November 1913. This the act contained a very detailed regulation of the composition and powers of the main ties of the local administration in the New State.

However, it did not have the value of a constitution in the full sense, as long as it left untouched fundamental problems, such as: the form of government (monarchy or republic), the highest bodies of power, the powers, and the relationship among them.

/a.p./