The Albanian government has undergone an unexpected change on Wednesday (31 August) with the dismissal of Deputy Minister of Defence Dallandyshe Bici and Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Ardi Veliu.
A meeting of the government was called at 10 am, and the changes were announced shortly after by Miniter of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku.
“The release from duty of the deputy to the Minister of Infrastructure Ardi Veliu and the dismissal of the deputy. Minister of Defense Dallandyshe Bici. They will have new tasks in the future”, said Balluku.
Director of the State Police Gledis Nano was also relieved of his duties and will be temporarily replaced by Deputy Police Director Tonin Vocaj.
Interior Minister Bledi Cuci announced the decision, stating that he was dismissed for “not achieving the objectives.”
Under Nano’s watch, there has been a raft of incidents, including the death of a child on Himare beach after being hit by a speedboat driven by an off-duty police commissioner who had prior brushes with the law.
In addition, this summer has been marred by a spate of shootings and assassinations, domestic crimes, and several tritol incidents.
“The Council of Ministers, the government has thought that the change of management through the dismissal of the Director General of the Police will be efficient in order to have a stronger reaction to the fight against crime”, Cuci said.
Nano was appointed to the role in October 2021.
Additionally, Cuci announced that Olian Kanushi would fill the role of deputy head of the country’s intelligence services.
