The Albanian Mechanism

The Albanian Mechanism

Who Used to Be Number Two

An Interview with Arben Ahmetaj

Vincent Yūsui van Gerven Oei's avatar
Vincent Yūsui van Gerven Oei
Mar 24, 2025
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Photo by Ataol Kaso.

In Albanian politics, being number two – sharing in both the spoils and responsibilities of the great leader – is a risky proposition. The most famous number two in its history, Mehmet Shehu, allegedly killed himself in 1981, after nearly thirty years as prime minister under communist dictator Enver Hoxha. A well-known image released…

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