Klodiana Spahiu, a lawmaker from Durrës and current Deputy Speaker of Albania’s Parliament, is set to replace Evis Sala as Minister of Health.

Sala announced her departure from the post a day earlier, thanking Prime Minister Edi Rama and saying she would return to her academic career. Her resignation has also fueled speculation over a possible government bill that would change the management of healthcare funds — a proposal Sala is reportedly said to have refused to sign.

Spahiu, 53, is a cardiologist by training and has held senior positions in Albania’s healthcare and academic sectors. According to her biography published by the Socialist Party, she graduated from the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Medicine in 1997 and specialized in cardiology at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center.

She later completed additional training in non-invasive and invasive cardiology in Italy, as well as a professional master’s degree in Health Management. Spahiu has worked as a cardiologist at the University Hospital Center in Tirana and at Durrës Hospital, where she also served as director.

She has also had a long academic career, teaching at medical universities in Albania, and holds a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree.

Spahiu has served as a member of Albania’s Parliament since 2009, taking part in several parliamentary committees and friendship groups. She currently serves as one of Parliament’s Deputy Speakers.