State in Albania

Albania’s official name is the Republic of Albania, or Republika e Shqipërisë in Albanian. It is a unitary parliamentary republic, meaning that one national constitutional system applies across the country and the government depends on parliamentary support. The Constitution is the highest foundation of the state. It defines public institutions, protects basic rights, separates public powers, and sets rules for democratic government. The Parliament is called the Kuvendi. It represents citizens, adopts laws, approves the state budget, oversees the government, and performs other constitutional duties. The Council of Ministers is the main executive body. It is led by the Prime Minister and carries out laws, develops national policy, directs public administration, and manages many public services. The President is the head of state and represents the unity of the country. Albania is not a presidential system, so everyday executive leadership belongs mainly to the Prime Minister and the government. Courts interpret and apply the law in individual cases. The Constitutional Court has the special role of reviewing constitutional questions, while prosecutors and other justice institutions perform separate functions within the justice system. Albania has central and local government. Municipalities, commonly called bashki, manage local responsibilities such as community services, local planning, and parts of local infrastructure, while counties mainly perform coordinating functions. People usually deal with the state through municipalities, ministries, public agencies, schools, health institutions, courts, and administrative service channels. A public decision should have a legal basis, come from the responsible authority, and normally be open to an appropriate complaint or review process.