The Socialist Movement for Integration (SMI) signs the first change of Berisha’s government after the June 28 elections.

In a long governmental meeting, its leaders proposed Prime Minister Sali Berisha the dismissal of Dritan Prifti from the post of the Minister of Economy, and the appointment of the SMI’s Chairman, Ilir Meta, in this post.

The latter will resign his post as Foreign Minister, but it will again be held by another member of this party, Edmond Haxhinasto.

The changes were made public by SMI’s General Secretary, Luan Rama, who also explained the reasons of these changes.

“Another important reason, which makes these changes indispensable, is the increase of Meta’s role in the interior political scene and a more influential role as Chairman of SMI. This is closely related to the challenge of the next elections, which means, the selection of the next local government,” said Rama.

Meanwhile, the actual Foreign Minister Ilir Meta mentioned Edmond Haxhinasto as a worthy successor. He added that the Albanian diplomacy’s objectives for this year, visa liberalization and the consolidation of Kosovo’s independence in the geo-political context, have been realized.

“The new Foreign Minister proposed by the SMI will completely dedicate himself to the fulfillment of the objectives of this ministry, of the government and of the state in the field of foreign policy,” said Meta.

The SMI is represented in the governmental Cabinet with 3 Ministry Portfolios. The post of the Health Minister, held by Petrit Vasili, won’t be changed. Meanwhile, SMI declared that it will be part of the right wing coalition even in the May 8 elections.