Government reshuffle asked for and expected

TIRANA, July 14 – Four months after the Gerdec blast that killed 26 persons, there is an increase in the voices calling for a government reshuffle.
After the March 15 blast, then-Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu resigned and was replaced by Gazmend Oketa, who left the post of deputy premier.
Now the Republican Party, which is part of the governing coalition of the Democratic Party leader and Prime Minister Sali Berisha, their main allies, have intensified calls for receiving a significant post in the cabinet.
Berisha has resisted a reshuffle, probably not wishing to do it just one year before the next general elections.
Republicans have offered different names for a ministerial post, like Lajla Pernaska, a lawmaker, or Arjan Madhi, their parliamentary group leader. (Tirana Times Staff)