President of Albania

The president of Albania (Albanian: Presidenti i Shqipërisë), officially the president of the Republic of Albania (Albanian: Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë), is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the military and the representative of the unity of the Albanian people.

The president sets the date of elections and referendums, grants pardons and awards, grants citizenship and permits it to be given up, accepts the credentials of diplomats serving in Albania, appoints plenipotentiary representatives and the director of the State Intelligence Service at the proposal of the prime minister, and officially promulgates all laws passed by the Albanian parliament or by referendum. The Office of the President consists of the immediate staff of the president as well as support staff reporting to the president. The office is seated in the Presidential Office in the capital city Tirana. The spouse of the president is recognized as the first lady of Albania, but holds no official role in the presidency. She often plays a protocol role at the Presidential Palace and during official visits.

The president is elected through a secret vote and without debate by the Parliament of Albania by a majority of three-fifths of all its members and is elected for 5 years. The Constitution of Albania limits the president to a maximum of two terms in office. The president-elect is required to take an oath of office before the members of the parliament.

If the President is unable to discharge the duties of office or if the position is vacant, the speaker of the Parliament assumes the office's powers and duties as acting president until the president resumes those powers and duties, or until the election of a new president.