Parliament of Albania Kuvendi i Shqipërisë | |
|---|---|
| 32nd Legislature | |
 | |
| Type | |
| Type | |
Term limits | Four years |
| History | |
| Founded | 27 March 1920; 105 years ago (1920-03-27) |
| Preceded by | Assembly of Vlorë |
| Leadership | |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 140 |
.svg) | |
Political groups | Government (83)
Opposition (57) |
| Elections | |
| Openparty-list proportional representation D'hondt method | |
Last election | 11 May 2025 |
Next election | By 2029 |
| Meeting place | |
 | |
| Parliament of Albania,Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard,Tirana | |
| Website | |
| www | |
TheParliament of Albania (Albanian:Kuvendi i Shqipërisë) orKuvendi is theunicameralrepresentative body of the citizens of theRepublic of Albania; it is Albania'slegislature. The Parliament is composed of no less than 140 memberselected to a four-year term on the basis of direct, universal, periodic and equalsuffrage bysecret ballot.[1][2][3] The Parliament is presided over by theSpeaker, who is assisted by at least one deputy speaker. The electoral system is based onparty-list proportional representation. There are 12 multi-seatconstituencies, corresponding to the country'scounties.
The Parliament's powers are defined by theConstitution of Albania. Among its responsibilities, it has the power to amend the borders of Albania or the Constitution, pass all laws, approve thecabinet, supervise the work of the government, declare war, decide on cessation of hostilities, adopt the state's budgets and approve the state's accounts. Other duties include callingreferendums, performing elections and appointments conforming to the Constitution and applicable legislation, supervising operations of the government and other civil services responding to Parliament, granting amnesty for criminal offences and performing other duties defined by the Constitution. The Parliament alsoelects thePresident of the Republic. When the Parliament is elected, the first session shall be held no later than 20 days after the completion of elections with thePresident as the speaker.[4] However, all laws passed by the Parliament are published onFletorja Zyrtare, which is theofficial journal of theGovernment of Albania.[5]
The oldest Assembly with extant records was held inLezhë on 2 March 1444. TheLeague of Lezhë (Kuvendi i Lezhës) forged inLezhë underGjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu as the leader against theOttoman Empire.[6]
The wordKuvend, in definite formkuvendi, is a very old word in theAlbanian language that is thought to have originated from theLatin wordconventus, meaning gathering of people orassembly.[7] Its use dates back to the fifteenth century when men, mainly from northern Albania, gathered to listen to the debate betweenLekë Dukagjini andSkanderbeg on what would be allowed and what was not.[8] These laws would then be codified intooral laws inherited from generation to generation, especially in the northern areas of Albania, from Dukagjini itself to what is calledKanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit or simplyKanuni. In the nineteenth century with thetranscription of these laws by FatherShtjefën Gjeçovi, for the first time the institutional meaning of the word is given in written form where inChapter 148,Article 1106 of the Kanun it is said:
Kuvendi is a union of kin or severalkins with the chief, the fore-elder, the elder, the young, or the little ones, who intend to resolve any issue or to bind theBesa.[9]
The term in the modern history of the Albanian state was used from the very first day of its creation. On 28 November 1912, the most influential and prominent figures of Albania gathered in the so-calledAll-Albanian Congress held inVlorë, whereKuvendi i Vlorës (theAssembly of Vlora) was constituted and which as the first decision declared unanimously theIndependence of Albania from theOttoman Empire.[10][11]Kuvend was later reused to name the country's legislative institution after the communists took power in 1946, refusing to use words borrowed from foreign languages and previously used by other regimes or governments.[8] Today, words such asAsambleja (the Assembly),Parlamenti (the Parliament), or the wordKuvendi itself are part of theAlbanian dictionary which is published periodically by theAcademy of Sciences of Albania, and have been used, and continue to be widely used interchangeably to indicate the same thing, by serving more as asynonym for each other than as a translation.
TheLeague of Lezhë was a military and diplomatic alliance of theAlbanian aristocracy, created in the city ofLezhë on 2 March 1444. The League of Lezhë is considered as the first unified independentAlbanian country in the Medieval age, withSkanderbeg as leader of the regional Albanian chieftains and nobles united against theOttoman Empire.[12] Skanderbeg was proclaimed "Chief of the League of the Albanian people" while Skanderbeg always signed himself as "DominusAlbaniae" (Albanian:Zot i Arbërisë,English:Lord of Albania).[13][14]
At the assembly of Lezha, members from the families:Kastrioti,Arianiti,Zaharia,Muzaka,Spani,Thopia and members of theBalsha andCrnojević which were linked matrilineally or via marriage to the Kastrioti were present. The members contributed to the League with men and money, while maintaining control of the internal affairs of their domains. Soon after its creation the pro-Venetian Balšići and Crnojevići left the league in the events that led to theAlbanian–Venetian War (1447-48). The peace treaty of the Albanian-Venetian war signed on October 4, 1448 is the first diplomatic document on which the league appears as an independent entity.[15] Barleti referred to the meeting as thegeneralis concilium oruniversum concilium ("general council" or "whole council"); the term "League of Lezhë" was coined by subsequent historians.[16]
League of Lezhë it is considered as the first type of Albanian parliament.
In 1914, with the drafting of the Organic Statute of Albania by theInternational Control Commission, the establishment ofAsambleja Kombëtare (the National Assembly) as a legislative body was foreseen. This assembly would consist of a total of 36 members elected by the people, members appointed by the monarchWilhelm of Albania, as well asex officio members. The beginning of theBalkan Wars andFirst World War made impossible the establishment of the institution.[17]
After the end of the First World War, between 25 and 27 of December 1918, theCongress of Durrës decided on the formation of aprovisional government, as well as the establishment of thePleqësia (the "Council of Elders"), which was essentially aSenate.[18] This Senate would meet once every two months and the government would have to consult with it on major issues related to the fate of the state.[19] However, due to internal divisions the Senate never convened, becoming one of the reasons for the dismissal of theGovernment of Durrës in January 1920.[20]
After the dismissal of the Government of Durrës, among others, theCongress of Lushnja established the Senate as the first Albanianlegislative body, which would later be namedKëshilli Kombëtar (National Council). The council would consist of 37 members elected by the congressional delegates themselves and would have a temporary mandate until elections are held. In this period, the principles ofparliamentarism are affirmed for the first time: the appointment and dismissal of the Government by the Council, as well as the exercise of parliamentary control over it.[21]
The National Council met for the first time on 27 March 1920 in newly established capital,Tirana, while the first session was opened byMytesim Këlliçi until through voteXhemal Naipi was elected, becoming the1st Chairman of the National Council.[22] Although the first Albanian legislature extended its activity in a short period of time, it managed to pass some important laws. Some of the most important acts were the Lushnja Statute which constituted a constitutional law, as well as the new electoral law passed on 5 December. This law established the electoral system which was byindirect election with two rounds. In the first round, based on the administrative division according to theDistricts of Albania, every 500 men would elect a delegate, who consequently in the second round will elect a total of 75 members of the National Council, thus making one member elected by about 12,000 eligible voters.[23] Although with many problems, this law paved the way for the creation of the first two Albanian parties which were:Partia Popullore (the Popular Party) led byFan Noli, andPartia Përparimtare (the Progressive Party) led byHoxhë Kadriu andShefqet Verlaci.[23] The legislative activity of the National Council ended on 20 December 1920, when the Council was dissolved to give way to thefirst elections in Albania on 21 April 1921.[24]
.jpg)
During the period of theAlbanian Republic, the country had abicameral legislature, consisting of aSenate (Albanian:Senati) and aChamber of Deputies.[25] From 1928 to 1939, during the era of theAlbanian Monarchy, Albania's legislature was known simply as the Parliament (Albanian: Parlamenti).[25]
During theItalian occupation of Albania and the existence of the1939-43 Albanian Kingdom, Albania's legislature was known as the Supreme Fascist Cooperative (Albanian:Korporativi i Epërm Fashist).[25] From 1943 to 1944, duringNazi occupation of Albania and the formation ofthe 1943-44 Albanian Kingdom, Albania's legislature was known as the National Assembly (Albanian:Kuvendi Kombëtar).[25] From 1944 to late 1945, a National Anti-fascist Liberation Council (Albanian:Këshilli Antifashist Nacional Çlirimtar) was formed by politicians opposing theNazi puppet government.
Later during multiple periods of regime changes, Albania's legislature was known as theConstituent Assembly (Albanian:Asambleja Kushtetuese orKuvendi Kushtetues). This occurred in 1924, prior to the formation of theAlbanian Republic, in 1928, prior to the formation ofthe first iteration of the Albanian Kingdom, and from 1946 to 1947, prior during the eraDemocratic Government of Albania and prior to the formation of thePeople's Socialist Republic of Albania.[25]
From 1947 to 1991, during the era of thePeople's Socialist Republic of Albania, Albania's legislature was known as the People's Assembly (Albanian:Kuvendi Popullor).[25] Since 1997, the parliament has been known simply as the Parliament of the Republic of Albania (Albanian:Kuvendi i Republikës së Shqipërisë).[25][a] Currently the President is elected by the parliament. The current members were chosen in the2025 election.
In 2023, the parliament's website was targeted by a cyberattack by what were reported to be members of an Iran-based hacker group called Homeland Justice, rendering it temporarily inaccessible.[29]
The Parliament's powers are defined by theConstitution of Albania. The Parliamentrepresents the citizens of theRepublic of Albania, it acts as the country'slegislature. It convenes regularly in two sessions each year, the first session on the third Monday of January and the second session on the first Monday of September.[30] However, extraordinary sessions may be called by thePresident of Albania, thePrime Minister of Albania or by one-fifth of the parliamentary members.[31] Further the sessions are open to the public.[32] The parliament decides through amajority votes, in the presence of more than half of its members, except for cases where the constitution provides for a qualified majority. However, certain decisions are made bythree-fifths majority votes.[33]
Other powers of the parliament include defining economic, legal and political relations in Albania; preservation of Albania's natural and cultural heritage and its utilisation; and forming alliances with other nations. The parliament elect thePresident bysecret ballot and without debate by three-fifths of the parliamentary members. The president addresses messages to the Parliament and sets the date ofparliamentary elections, for the organs of local power and for the conduct of referendums. The president appoints the Prime Minister on the proposal of the parliament; if the Prime Minister is not approved, the parliament elects another Prime Minister within 10 days. As specified by the Constitution, no foreign military force may be situated in, or pass through, the borders of Albania, except by a law approved by the parliament. Due to that, it has the right to deployAlbanian Armed Forces outside its borders.[34]
TheConstitution of Albania mandates that the Parliament consists of at least 140 members, elected by asecret ballot, of which 100 members are electeddirectly.[1] Theterm of office is four years, butelections can be held earlier in the relatively rare case that the Parliament is dissolved prematurely by thePresident.[35] The Parliament can be dissolved by the President on the recommendation of thePrime Minister if the latter has lost a vote of confidence in the Parliament, if the recommendation is made and accepted before the Parliament acts to elect a new Prime Minister.[36] Elections for the Parliament are held 30 to 60 days before the end of the mandate, and at most 45 days after its dissolution.
The electoral system isclosed list proportional representation. There are 12 multi-memberconstituencies, corresponding to the 12counties of the country. Seats are allocated using thed'Hondt method with a 2.5%electoral threshold. Within any constituency, parties must meet a threshold of 3 percent of votes, and pre-election coalitions must meet a threshold of 5 percent of votes.[37][38]
The two largest political parties inAlbania are theSocialist Party (PS) and theDemocratic Party (PD). The lastelections were held on 11 May 2025. Following is a list of political parties and alliances with representation in the Parliament following those elections:
| Name | Abbr. | Founded | Leader | Ideology | MPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socialist Party of Albania Partia Socialiste e Shqipërisë | PS | 15 August 1991 | Edi Rama | Social democracy,Third Way,Progressivism,Social liberalism,Pro-Europeanism | 83 / 140 |
| Democratic Party of Albania-Alliance for a Magnificent Albania Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë-Aleanca për Shqipërinë Madhështore | PD-ASHM | 19 December 1990 | Sali Berisha | Conservatism,Nationalism,Economic liberalism,Pro-Europeanism | 50 / 140 |
| Social Democratic Party of Albania Partia Socialdemokrate e Shqipërisë | PSD | 23 April 1991 | Tom Doshi | Social democracy | 3 / 140 |
| Opportunity Party Partia Mundësia | PM | 1 June 2024 | Agron Shehaj | Conservatism,Economic liberalism | 2 / 140 |
| Albania Becomes Movement Lëvizja Shqipëria Bëhet | LSHB | 18 September 2023 | Adriatik Lapaj | Direct democracy,Populism | 1 / 140 |
| Together Movement Lëvizja Bashkë | LB | 18 December 2022 | Arlind Qori | Democratic socialism,Left-wing populism | 1 / 140 |
Political parties divided according to post-electoral seats in theX Legislature:
| Coalition | Party | Seats | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socialist Party (PS) | 83 | |||
| Alliance for a Magnificent Albania (ASHM) | Democratic Party (PD) | 42 | ||
| Freedom Party of Albania (PL) | 4 | |||
| Republican Party (PR) | 1 | |||
| Environmentalist Agrarian Party (PAA) | 1 | |||
| Party for Justice, Integration and Unity (PDIU) | 1 | |||
| Unity for Human Rights Party (PBDNJ) | 1 | |||
| Total seats | 50 | |||
| Social Democratic Party (PSD) | 3 | |||
| Opportunity Party (DM) | 2 | |||
| Albania Becomes Movement (LSHB) | 1 | |||
| Together Movement (LB) | 1 | |||
| Total | 140 | |||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1992 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1996 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 1997 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2001 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2013 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Parliamentarycommittees investigate specific matters of policy or government administration or performance that cannot be directly handled by the Parliament due to their volume. The committees provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate inpolicy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.
The Parliament has the following committees:[39]
| No. | Legislature | Mandate | MPs | Parties | |
| 1st | National Council | 27 March 1920 | 20 December 1920 | 37 | 0 |
| 2nd | National Council | 21 April 1921 | 30 September 1923 | 65 | 2 |
| 3rd | Constitutional Assembly | 21 January 1924 | 2 June 1924 | 95 | 2 |
| 4th | Deputies Chamber – Senate | 1 June 1925 | 7 June 1928 | 46/16 | 0 |
| 5th | Constituent Assembly/Parliament | 25 August 1928 | 11 May 1932 | 49 | 0 |
| 6th | Parliament | 21 November 1932 | 16 November 1936 | 54 | 0 |
| 7th | Parliament | 10 February 1937 | 7 April 1939 | 57 | 0 |
| 8th | Constitutional Assembly | 12 April 1939 | 3 April 1940 | 162 | 1 |
| 9th | Superior Fascist Corporative Council | 17 April 1940 | 31 July 1943 | 69 | 1 |
| 10th | National Assembly/Parliament | 16 October 1943 | 14 September 1944 | 193 | 0 |
| – | Anti-Fascist National Liberation Council | 28 May 1944 | 22 December 1945 | 119 | 1 |
| 11th | Constitutional Assembly/People's Assembly | 10 January 1946 | 21 January 1950 | 101 | 1 |
| 12th | People's Assembly | 28 June 1950 | 14 April 1954 | 116 | 1 |
| 13th | People's Assembly | 19 July 1954 | 21 February 1958 | 129 | 1 |
| 14th | People's Assembly | 21 June 1958 | 3 June 1962 | 180 | 1 |
| 15th | People's Assembly | 14 July 1962 | 12 March 1966 | 210 | 1 |
| 16th | People's Assembly | 9 September 1966 | 4 May 1970 | 234 | 1 |
| 17th | People's Assembly | 20 November 1970 | 19 June 1974 | 261 | 1 |
| 18th | People's Assembly | 28 October 1974 | 21 February 1978 | 238 | 1 |
| 19th | People's Assembly | 25 December 1978 | 14 July 1982 | 250 | 1 |
| 20th | People's Assembly | 22 November 1982 | 10 January 1987 | 250 | 1 |
| 21st | People's Assembly | 19 February 1987 | 13 November 1990 | 250 | 1 |
| 22nd | Constitutional Assembly | 15 April 1991 | 4 February 1992 | 250 | 3 |
| 23rd | People's Assembly | 6 April 1992 | 29 March 1996 | 140 | 5 |
| 24th | People's Assembly | 1 July 1996 | 15 May 1997 | 140 | 5 |
| 25th | Assembly | 23 July 1997 | 17 May 2001 | 150 | 13 |
| 26th | Assembly | 3 September 2001 | 20 May 2005 | 140 | 12 |
| 27th | Assembly | 2 September 2005 | 14 May 2009 | 140 | 12 |
| 28th | Assembly | 7 September 2009 | 25 May 2013 | 140 | 6 |
| 29th | Assembly | 9 September 2013 | 8 May 2017 | 140 | 6 |
| 30th | Assembly | 9 September 2017 | 7 July 2021 | 140 | 5 |
| 31st | Assembly | 10 September 2021 | 8 July 2025 | 140 | 10 |
| 32nd | Assembly | 12 September 2025 | 140 | 6 | |
Article 64 - 1. The Assembly consists of 140 deputies. One hundred deputies are elected directly in single member electoral zones with an approximately equal number of voters. Forty deputies are elected from multi-name lists of parties or party coalitions according to their ranking
Article 1 - 3.: Governance is based on a system of elections that are free, equal, general and periodic.
Article 2 - 1 & 2.: Sovereignty in the Republic of Albania belongs to the people.; The people exercise sovereignty through their representatives or directly.
calling together an all-Albanian congress. On 28 November 1912, delegates from all over the country gathered in Vlora
Proclamation of Albanian independence by an assembly at Valona which rejected the grant of autonomy made by Turkish government
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)... a solid military alliance was concluded among all the Albanian chieftains along the Adriatic coast from southern Epirus to the Bosnian border.
The Assembly conducts its annual work in two sessions. The first session begins on the third Monday of January and the second session on the first Monday of September
The Assembly meets in extraordinary session when requested by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister or by one-fifth of all the deputies
Meetings of the Assembly are open.
There are approved by three-fifths of all members of the Assembly
No foreign military force may be situated in, or pass through, the Albanian territory, and no Albanian military force may be sent abroad, except by a law approved by a majority of all members of the Assembly.
The Assembly is elected for four years.
If the Assembly fails to elect a new Prime Minister, the President of the Republic dissolves the Assembly.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
