Talat Xhaferi has made history by becoming the first Albanian to be appointed as the Prime Minister of the technical government of North Macedonia. This groundbreaking appointment was supported by 65 deputies, with only 3 opposing and no abstentions. The technical government, led by Xhaferi, is mandated to oversee the organization and smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections scheduled for May 8th.

During a parliamentary debate earlier on January 28th, Xhaferi presented the government’s 100-day work program, focusing on the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Previously serving as the Speaker of the Assembly, Xhaferi emphasized his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities irrespective of the duration of his tenure, in alignment with the Constitution and the expectations of the citizens.

Xhaferi outlined his primary objective: to ensure the regular and democratic conduct of the parliamentary and presidential elections. He expressed his resolve to execute his duties responsibly, maintaining the efficiency, functionality, and accountability of the government. “Regardless of whether I lead this government for a day or the full 100 days, I will carry out this responsibility and trust with utmost dedication, as I have with previous challenges,” Xhaferi stated.

The mandate for the technical government includes a focus on the European agenda and the economic development of the country. Xhaferi’s leadership aims to increase wages and pensions, reduce food prices, and tackle inflation. He emphasized a commitment to economic growth aligned with the European Union expansion plan and a relentless fight against informal economy. Transparency in government operations and public finances, along with full support for local citizen issues, regardless of their community, are also high on his agenda.

Who is Talat Xhaferi?

Born on April 15, 1962, in Forino, Gostivar, Talat Xhaferi has a distinguished background in military and political arenas. He graduated from military academies in Belgrade and Sarajevo and served as a high-ranking officer in the Yugoslav People’s Army from 1985 to 1991. He then joined the Army of North Macedonia, serving from 1992 until 2001.

During the armed conflict in North Macedonia in 2001, Xhaferi was part of the National Liberation Army, fighting for the national rights of Albanians in the state. He first entered politics as a deputy in the Assembly of North Macedonia in 2002, representing the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI). Xhaferi served as Deputy Minister of Defense from 2004 to 2006 and was re-elected as a deputy in 2008. In 2013, he became the Minister of Defense in Nikola Gruevski’s government and continued as a deputy in the Macedonian Assembly from 2014 to 2016. On April 27, 2017, he was elected as the Speaker of the Assembly of North Macedonia, a position he held until his recent appointment as the head of the technical government.

Talat Xhaferi’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the political landscape of North Macedonia, heralding a new era of leadership and representation for the Albanian community in the country.