Rexhep Meidani
Encyclopedia
is an Albanian politician
. He graduated from the University of Tirana
(1966), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Branch Physics, as well as successfully accomplished the postgraduate studies in the University of Caen (France
) (1974). With regard to the professional area, Meidani worked as professor, chair of the department and later as the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (1966–1996). During this time span, Meidani published a number of studies, books and articles inside and outside of Albania. Meidani holds the scientific title Professor Doctor
. Along with Eqrem Cabej
and Nelson Cabej, Meidani has been considered as one of the leading academics in the country.
His political career began in the 1990s. He was the chair of the Central Election Commission in the first multiparty elections in 1991 and member of the Presidential Council (1991). During 1992–1996 he was engaged in the civil society by being also chair of the Board of the Albanian Center of Human Rights (1994–1996). In 1996, he joined the Socialist Party and was elected its Secretary General (1996–1997).
In the anticipated parliamentary elections of June 1997, Meidani was elected member of the parliament in the Albanian Assembly. After the elections, won by the left coalition and headed by the Socialist Party
, on July 24, 1997, with the proposal of the SP, the Albanian Assembly elected Meidani the President of Albania. Meidani served as the third President until 2002, with Petrit Ago
as his counselor.
Meidani was succeeded in the presidency by Alfred Moisiu
in 2002.
In the 2005 Socialist Party Leadership Convention, which was to designate a successor to Fatos Nano, he was defeated by the current PS chairman Edi Rama
. Meidani is currently a member of the Club of Madrid
.
Rexhep Meidani is also a member of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
advisory board.
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. He graduated from the University of Tirana
University of Tirana
The University of Tirana is a public university located in Tirana, Albania.-History:UT was founded in 1957 as the State University of Tirana through the merging of five existing institutes of higher education, the most important of which was the Institute of Sciences, founded in 1947...
(1966), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Branch Physics, as well as successfully accomplished the postgraduate studies in the University of Caen (France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
) (1974). With regard to the professional area, Meidani worked as professor, chair of the department and later as the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (1966–1996). During this time span, Meidani published a number of studies, books and articles inside and outside of Albania. Meidani holds the scientific title Professor Doctor
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
. Along with Eqrem Cabej
Eqrem Çabej
Eqrem Çabej was an Albanian historical linguist and scholar who, through the publication of numerous studies gained a reputation as a key expert in the research into Albanian-language, literature, ethnology and linguistics....
and Nelson Cabej, Meidani has been considered as one of the leading academics in the country.
His political career began in the 1990s. He was the chair of the Central Election Commission in the first multiparty elections in 1991 and member of the Presidential Council (1991). During 1992–1996 he was engaged in the civil society by being also chair of the Board of the Albanian Center of Human Rights (1994–1996). In 1996, he joined the Socialist Party and was elected its Secretary General (1996–1997).
In the anticipated parliamentary elections of June 1997, Meidani was elected member of the parliament in the Albanian Assembly. After the elections, won by the left coalition and headed by the Socialist Party
Socialist Party of Albania
The Socialist Party of Albania , is a centre-left, social democraticand socially liberal political party in Albania, it is currently the leading opposition party in Albania. It seats 66 MPs in the 2009 Albanian parliament . It achieved power in 1997 after a political crisis and governmental...
, on July 24, 1997, with the proposal of the SP, the Albanian Assembly elected Meidani the President of Albania. Meidani served as the third President until 2002, with Petrit Ago
Petrit Ago
Petrit Ago is the former General Director of Customs of Albania and former head of Tirana taxation office who replaced in his new position Ardian Maci, who was dismissed from work on November 1999 for not accomplishing the objectives set by the Ministry of Finance on realizing the customs income plan...
as his counselor.
Meidani was succeeded in the presidency by Alfred Moisiu
Alfred Moisiu
was the fourth President of the Republic of Albania from July 24, 2002 to July 24, 2007. He is the son of Albanian Army general Spiro Moisiu....
in 2002.
In the 2005 Socialist Party Leadership Convention, which was to designate a successor to Fatos Nano, he was defeated by the current PS chairman Edi Rama
Edi Rama
Edi Rama is an Albanian politician, painter, publicist, professor, and former athlete. Currently he is the leader of the Socialist Party of Albania, the biggest party in Albania , by wining the most of votes as a party in the last eight election.He has served as board member at the local Soros...
. Meidani is currently a member of the Club of Madrid
Club of Madrid
The Club de Madrid is an independent non-profit organization created to promote democracy and change in the international community. Composed of 80 former Presidents and Prime Ministers from 56 countries, the Club de Madrid is the world’s largest forum of former Heads of State and Government.Among...
.
Rexhep Meidani is also a member of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation based in Berlin. Founded in 1999 by Mark Donfried, its activities focus on promoting and developing the field of cultural diplomacy by conducting research, initiatives and programs, holding...
advisory board.
Honours and awards
- Knight Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King TomislavGrand Order of King TomislavThe Grand Order of King Tomislav , or more fully the Grand Order of King Tomislav with Sash and Great Morning Star , is the highest state order of the Republic of Croatia...
("For outstanding contribution to the promotion of friendship and development co-operation between the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Albania." – April 4, 2001)