Albania's Prime Minister Resigns

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 30, 2002

Albania's Prime Minister Resigns

Albania's prime minister resigned Tuesday after months of quarreling with leaders of his party in a crisis that is eroding stability in one of Europe's poorest countries.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Albania's prime minister resigned Tuesday after months of quarreling with leaders of his party in a crisis that is eroding stability in one of Europe's poorest countries.

The struggle within the Socialist Party had stymied Prime Minister Ilir Meta's government, crippling the 32-year-old reformist's efforts to deal with economic problems and dangerous power shortages caused by a harsh winter.

"My Cabinet has been under an ongoing unprecedented aggression of attacks and insults," Meta said before stepping down.

Bracing for possible unrest in a nation where political upheaval is frequently linked to violence, Meta called on the Interior Ministry Tuesday to maintain public order. He also urged all ministers to keep working to ensure stability until the formation of a new government.

The power struggle began when Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano challenged Meta's right to govern despite a win in June parliamentary elections. Meta accused Nano of instigating the crisis because of Meta's refusal to support him as a candidate for the presidency.

Nano accused the government of corruption and incompetence, demanding that the Cabinet be restructured and that his appointees be put in place.

Four ministers resigned in recent months to try to appease Meta's foes, but Nano stalled efforts to replace them.

Since taking office in October 1999, Meta has overseen economic growth and construction of new roads while keeping inflation down, winning praise from the IMF. Isolated for decades during the communist era, the rugged country is one of Europe's poorest, with an average pay equivalent to $90 a month.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Albania's Berisha Re-elected Leader of Democratic Party

Albania Declares Civil Emergency in North