Rama Declares Himself Albania's Temporary Foreign Minister

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday said he would take over the position of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, following a row with President Ilir Meta on the nomination of Gent Cakaj as the new minister.

Meta refused to decree Cakaj, claiming he "lacked credibility" for the high-profile job. Since the dispute blew up last Thursday, Meta and Rama have exchanged angry words on social media.

"The President has not decreed the dismissal of the Foreign Minister," Rama wrote on Twitter on Monday, adding that the legal deadline for the President to do so had already expired.

"This is another violation of the constitution, which will be dealt with along others in the new Constitutional Court. Up to that day, which will come soon, I will be de jure in this position because we do not have time to lose in search of a president," he added.

It is unusual for a prime minister in Albania to hold another ministerial portfolio. However, previous presidents have never rejected the prime minister's choices for ministers. The constitution does not give the President such powers.

However, Meta last October refused to appoint a new Minister of Interior and last week blocked the new Foreign Minister as well.

The constitutional court cannot rule on such conflicts currently, as the ongoing vetting process prompted most of its judges to retire, or get fired, for unjustified wealth or links with suspected criminals.

The process of nominating new members of the court is expected to last months.

Meanwhile, Albania along with Macedonia awaits the decision of the European Council on whether to open membership negotiations or not. The decision is expected in June.

President Meta was elected to his post with support of Rama's...