| Cabinet Name: | Rama III Government |
| Cabinet Number: | 67th |
| Cabinet Type: | Government |
| Jurisdiction: | Albania |
| Flag: | Flag_of_Albania.svg |
| Flag Border: | true |
| Incumbent: | 2021‒Incumbent |
| Government Head: | Edi Rama |
| Deputy Government Head Title: | Deputy Prime Minister |
| Deputy Government Head: | Belinda Balluku |
| State Head Title: | President |
| State Head: | Ilir Meta Bajram Begaj |
| Members Number: | 23 |
| Political Parties: | PS |
| Legislature Status: | Majority |
| Opposition Parties: | PD, LSI, PSD, PR, PDIU, PAA, LZHK, PLL, PBDNJ |
| Opposition Leaders: | Sali Berisha/Ilir Meta |
| Election: | 2021 election |
| Advice And Consent5: | --> |
| Predecessor: | Rama II 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.[1] [2] 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.[3]
See also: 2021 Albanian parliamentary election.
On 10 September 2021, the government of Prime Minister Rama received a vote of confidence in the Albanian: Kuvendi|i=no.[4] [5] [6] On 14 September, the President Ilir Meta decreed the government after all ministers were confirmed by the national anti-corruption agency, Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).[7] [8] Subsequently, on 18 September at 10:00 (CET), Rama's third cabinet was officially sworn in during a formal ceremony presided over by President at Albanian: Presidenca|i=no in Tirana.[9] [10] After the oath-taking, Rama convened an inaugural session with the newly appointed ministers, comprising 12 women and 5 men, marking their first summit as the Albanian: [[Council of Ministers (Albania)|Këshilli i Ministrave]]|i=no at Albanian: [[Prime Minister's Office (Albania)|Kryeministria]]|i=no.[10] The cabinet received parliamentary approval with 77 votes in favor, amid ongoing discussions regarding President Meta's recent dismissal, which awaited a ruling from the Constitutional Court.[4] The administration's agenda emphasised earthquake reconstruction, effective pandemic management, enhancement of welfare, and initiatives aimed at economic modernisation and the fortification of the rule of law.[10]
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.[11] Both were ranked high in the polls, especially Ogerta Manastirliu for her actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Albania, which gave her a lot of popularity for the management of the situation despite the criticism.[12]
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.[13] [14] [15] 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”.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] On 11 January 2024, a new ministry, Ministry of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption, is created to ease the negotiations for the accession of Albania to the European Union.[19]