Albania » Politics

Politics of Albania takes place in a structure of a parliamentary representative democratic republic. In Albania's government the Prime Minister is the head of government while the President is the head of state. The President is elected by Assembly members by two-thirds majority of the votes of all members and serves for a period of 5 years. The President has the authority to appoint and dismiss some high-ranking civil servants in the executive and judicial branches. The President also acts as the commander in chief of the armed forces, and chairs the National Security Commission. Bamir Topi is the current President whose term expires on July 23, 2012.

 

The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by a majority of members in the Assembly. The Prime Minister serves as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (cabinet). Members of the Council of Ministers are nominated by the Prime Minister, decreed by the President, and approved by a parliamentary vote. Executive power rests with the Council of Ministers (cabinet).Since 1991, the party system has been dominated by the Democratic Party of Albania and the socialist (post-communist) Socialist Party of Albania.

Albania's civil law system is the same as that of other European countries. The court structure consists of a Constitutional Court, a Supreme Court, and multiple appeal and district courts. The Constitutional Court deals with the Constitution, determines the constitutionality of laws, and resolves disagreements between local and federal authorities. The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal. The remaining courts are divided into three jurisdictions: criminal, civil, and military.