1912–1990

Following the declaration of independence on 28 November 1912, the establishment of the office of the prime minister became an integral part of the constitutional framework of Albania.^[2] Amidst the formative period characterised by tumultuous political and regional conflicts, a series of distinguished ministers assumed the position, each confronted with distinct challenges that left a lasting impact on Albanian politics. Ismail Qemali occupied the mantle of the first prime minister and directed the Albanian people toward the realisation of Independent Albania.^[3] Subsequently, during their respective tenures as prime ministers from 1914 to 1920, Turhan Përmeti and Esad Toptani were instrumental in directing Albania through the challenges of World War I.^[4] This period was marked by their dedication to preserving the country's independence in the face of shifting alliances and external interventions.^[5] Similarly, the emergence of Ilias Vrioni as prime minister in 1920 occurred in the aftermath of World War I, and Vrioni addressed border disputes with the backing of several major Western nations that guaranteed Albania's sovereignty within the boundaries formed in 1913.^[6] Following these developments, Ahmet Zogu served as prime minister in 1922, concentrating on centralising power, modernising the economy and attracting foreign investments.^[7] In 1924, Fan Noli's brief tenure saw the introduction of sweeping reforms, including initiatives in education and land distribution aimed at reshaping the socio-economic landscape, alongside the establishment of the Albanian Orthodox Church.^[8] Zogu returned as prime minister for a second term in 1925 and further solidified his influence, ultimately transitioning the country into a monarchy in 1928, with himself as king.^[9]

With the global crisis of the Great Depression, Albania grappled with significant economic and financial challenges from 1930 to 1939. The government was tasked with stabilising the economy and fostering socio-economic growth. During this period, a succession of prime ministers, including Kostaq Kotta, Pandeli Evangjeli and Mehdi Frashëri, led the country. Amid World War II, despite declaring neutrality, Albania was invaded by Italy.^[10] Prime Ministers of the era, including Shefqet Vërlaci and Mustafa Merlika-Kruja, assumed significant roles in navigating the challenges posed by foreign occupation. In 1943, Germany occupied the country, leading to the brief prime ministerial tenures of Rexhep Mitrovica, Fiqri Dine and Ibrahim Biçakçiu during the occupation.^[11]

With the conclusion of World War II in Albania, the country entered an unprecedented transformative phase under the leadership of Enver Hoxha, who acceded to the mantle of prime minister in 1944. Hoxha's tenure was marked by a commitment to Marxism–Leninism, resulting in the establishment of the People's Republic of Albania in 1946.^[12] The regime faced multifaceted challenges, encompassing widespread poverty, illiteracy, healthcare crises, and gender inequality.^[13][14] In response, Hoxha initiated a comprehensive modernisation effort aimed at achieving economic and social progress and transitioning Albania into an industrialised society.^[15] Mehmet Shehu served as a prominent figure in Hoxha's government, holding the position of prime minister for a significant part of the communist period, from 1954 to 1981.^[16] He played an essential part in implementing the government's policies and exerting influence over the country's direction.^[17] Adil Çarçani succeeded Shehu as prime minister and maintained the position for nine years, maintaining Albania's isolationist stance in external affairs and alignment with the Eastern Bloc countries.^[18]

1991–present

After the fall of communism, the office of the prime minister of Albania was restored and a democratic order was established.^[19] Responding to widespread protests in December 1990, the government of Ramiz Alia of the Party of Labour granted its approval for the first multi-party elections in March 1991 and the subsequent elections in March 1992.^[20] This resulted in the legal recognition of the opposition Democratic Party and paved the way for the admission of other political parties, including the Socialist Party.^[21] Subsequently, Fatos Nano emerged as the first post-communist prime minister on 22 February 1991. Nano prioritised the establishment of democratic institutions, the implementation of economic reforms and the reintegration of Albania into the international community.^[22][23] On 4 June 1991, Nano resigned from office due to political and social pressure, allowing Ylli Bufi and Vilson Ahmeti to assume the mantle for a short period, respectively.^[24][25] During their tenures, Albania became a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE).^[26] Aleksandër Meksi became prime minister on 13 April 1992 following the Democratic Party's victory in elections in March.^[27] His cabinet was dedicated to further advancing democratic and economic development and strengthening Albania's international connections.^[28][29][30] This commitment culminated to the country's accession to the Council of Europe (CoE) in July 1995.^[31] However, the tenure of Meksi faced criticism for what some perceived as an increasingly authoritarian approach and allegations of corruption.^[32] One of the most notable events during his rule was the outbreak of the 1997 Albanian civil unrest that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and an international intervention.^[33]

Following the departure of Meksi on 25 March 1997, Bashkim Fino emerged as prime minister with a commitment to holding early elections in June.^[34][35] Fatos Nano secured his second term as prime minister but faced several challenges, notably in assembling a cabinet, which led to his resignation.^[36] Pandeli Majko succeeded Nano as Prime Minister on 28 September 1998 and focused on the preservation of public order and the fight against corruption and organised crime.^{[37][38][39][40]} His cabinet garnered approval for a new constitution through a referendum in November 1998, all amidst continued instability in, and a large influx of refugees from, Albanian-speaking Kosovo.^[41][40][42] With the resignation of Majko on 29 October 1999, Ilir Meta emerged as prime minister and served until his resignation on 29 January 2002.^[43][44][45] Following Majko's return for his second term on 7 February 2002, Nano assumed the mantle for his third term as prime minister until 3 July 2005.^[46][47] In the July 2005 elections, Sali Berisha emerged as prime minister with a dedication to sustainable economic development and advancing Albania toward European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership.^[48] The tenure of Berisha achieved a major milestone when the country secured NATO membership in April 2009.^[49][50] However, his leadership was marred by increasing allegations of corruption, misappropriation of public funds and interference in public processes.^[51] Edi Rama occupied the role as prime minister for three consecutive terms following his party's victory in the July 2013 elections.^[52][53] Under his guidance, Albania achieved consistent economic growth and made continuous progress toward EU membership through a series of reforms aimed at socio-economic revitalisation, reinforcement of the rule of law, enhancement of the judicial system and transparency in governance.^[52][53][54]