The application process for the new Director General of the Albanian State Police has officially closed, following the departure of former chief Ilir Proda.

Initial reports revealed 14 candidates competing for the position, but two additional names were added today, bringing the total number of applicants to 16. Notably, this marks the first time that two women have applied to lead Albania’s national police force.

The full list of candidates includes:
Pellumb Seferi, Elidon Çela, Alfred Çepe, Rebani Jaupi, Saimir Boshnjaku, Lorenc Panganika, Afrim Tafa, Neritan Nallbati, Idejet Faskaj, Gentian Berberi, Tonin Vocaj, Skënder Hitaj, Arjanit Arapi, Gentjan Shehaj, Suela Sulkaj, and Ejona Gurbardhi.

Following the completion of the application phase, the Ministry of Interior of Albania is expected to publish the official list of candidates on its website.

Within 10 days, a special three-member commission—headed by a deputy interior minister and including the ministry’s secretary general and the head of the Police Oversight Agency of Albania—will conduct a preliminary assessment to verify whether candidates meet the legal requirements.

After the evaluation, the selected name will be proposed to the Interior Minister, who will then forward the nomination to the Prime Minister for final approval.