Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed former Shkodër mayor-elect Valdrin Pjetri as head of the Agency for the Treatment of Property, reviving debate over the ruling Socialist Party's handling of officials linked to past criminal records.

Pjetri was elected mayor of Shkodër in 2019 but resigned before taking office after Albania's decriminalization law raised concerns over a previous conviction in Italy related to cannabis possession during his time as a student in Florence. While the conviction led to his withdrawal from public office, official records in Albania list him as having no criminal convictions.

Despite stepping away from public office, Pjetri remained active within the Socialist Party, particularly in organizational and electoral activities. His appointment was approved during Wednesday's cabinet meeting, replacing Benard Palaj, who had been appointed to lead the agency only a few months earlier.

The decision has drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue it reflects a broader pattern within the Socialist Party of promoting individuals whose backgrounds have previously generated legal or ethical controversy. Critics contend that Rama's political career has repeatedly featured close associations with figures facing criminal allegations or past convictions.

The government has not publicly commented on the criticism surrounding Pjetri's appointment.