Albanian prime minister agrees to replace Economy Minister Prifti

By The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania — Albania's prime minister says he has agreed to replace Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, who has been accused by the opposition of corruption.

Sali Berisha's Monday decision comes after a request from a junior partner in his governing coalition, the Socialist Party for Integration, to replace Prifti with its leader, current Foreign Minister Ilir Meta.

The party said the switch was not prompted by opposition claims that Prifti enriched himself through allegedly illicit share deals, but to improve government efficiency.

Under the coalition deal with Berisha's Democrats, the Socialist Party for Integration controls the economy, foreign affairs and health portfolios. It has proposed a new foreign minister to replace Meta.