Rama III Government

The third Government of Prime Minister Edi Rama is the 67th ruling Government of the Republic of Albania. The Government was officially confirmed by President Ilir Meta on 18 September 2021. Following the 2021 election, the Socialist Party won, for the third consecutive time, a majority of seats in the Albanian Parliament, and, for the second consecutive time, the ability to form a government without the need for a coalition.

Formation
The government was presented for the first time at the Congress of the Socialist Party by Edi Rama. On 14 September 2021, the President decreed the government after all ministers were confirmed by SPAK, the national anti-corruption agency. In the second sitting of the new Albanian legislature post-elections, the new Council of Ministers presented in a marathon session of 20 hours the governing program which was approved by the Parliament with a majority vote of 77 deputies.

On 18 September, the new Government was sworn in before the Albanian President and gathered for the first time.

Background
The new Government was elected during the global COVID-19 pandemic, alongside continuing efforts to rebuild after the November 2019 earthquake which struck northwestern Albania.

Cabinet
The Rama's III government differs slightly from the end of the previous mandate, making its key posts entrusted to the same ministers again. Ministers such as Belinda Balluku and Ogerta Manastirliu were reconfirmed in previous positions, taking into account the popularity won during the exercise of their duties. Both were ranked high in the polls, especially Ms. Manastirliu, given the pandemic situation of COVID-19, which gave her a lot of popularity with the management of the situation in the country, where despite the criticism prevailed positive reactions.

The new Albanian government was widely praised for the dominance of women in ministerial posts. Out of 17 ministries, 12 will be led by women, making it fifth globally in women's representation in Cabinet, according to the latest United Nations. Rama himself in his speech in parliament described it as “This new government will enter history as the cabinet with the highest number of women”. In this new mandate, Arben Ahmetaj was also reconfirmed in office as Minister of State for Reconstruction and Reform Program, but was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister. Giving importance to the program of reconstruction and recovery from the consequences of the earthquake of November 2019, where damage was done to apartments, schools, cultural and historical objects, as well as infrastructure.