Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Monday morning changes in the government cabinet, "since the priority for the country is the negotiations for membership in the European Union". 

Based on the announcement, diplomat Zef Mazi will no longer be the chief negotiator of Albania with the EU, as Majlinda Dhuka has been appointed in his place, who will be the chief negotiator and Minister of State under Prime Minister Rama. 

Also, another departure is the one of Arben Ahmetaj, who will be succeeded by Belinda Balluku, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy. 

As for Balluku, Rama said that the time has come for the role of the Deputy Prime Minister to focus on "infrastructure" as a continuous national challenge and on the intensive relationship with the government and international institutions. 

Meanwhile, PM Rama has also thanked Ahmetaj for the Reconstruction, which the head of the government calls a spectacular success, as well as Zef Mazi for his contribution to the opening of negotiations.