New ministers sworn in, introduced

TIRANA, Sep. 20 – Following the latest changes in the government, the two ministers taking new posts, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Ilir Meta and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto, were sworn in at President Bamir Topi’s office last Friday.
The decision to make the changes came after a request from a junior partner in his governing coalition, the Socialist Party for Integration, to replace former Energy Minister Dritan Prifti with its leader, former Foreign Minister Ilir Meta, who argued he wanted to spend less time aboard in order to focus on party developments.
The switch was formally not prompted by opposition claims that Prifti enriched himself through allegedly illicit share deals, but was an indication of conflict within the junior coalition party.
Parliament approved the new ministers last week, and the opposition boycotted the vote.
Under the coalition deal with Sali Berisha’s Democrats, the Socialist Movement for Integration controls the economy, foreign affairs and health portfolios. It also proposed a new foreign minister to replace Meta.
After the swearing in ceremony, Haxhinasto, a career diplomat, started to introduce himself to diplomats in Tirana. He met with the ambassadors of main partner countries and other representatives.