Shehu III Government


The Shehu III Government was a government of the Socialist People's Republic of Albania, formed on July 16, 1962, by Prime Minister Mehmet Shehu of the Party of Labour of Albania. It succeeded the Shehu II Government and remained in office until July 14, 1966, when it was replaced by the Shehu IV Government.
The cabinet restructuring followed the parliamentary elections on June 3, 1962. There was a significant expansion of the Council of Ministers, including up to three First Deputy Chairmen and – excluding Beqir Balluku's dual role – up to three Deputy Chairmen. Gogo Nushi was the only member from the previous government who did not continue, but he retained significant roles, including in the Trade Union Federation Bashkimi Sindikal i Shqipërisë. Thus, the break with the Soviet Union in 1961 and the approach to China had no impact on the government of Albania.
The cabinet underwent several changes:
After the rupture with Moscow in 1961, the new Shehu government had to deal with a new reality: the massive support from the Soviet Union and other communist states had ceased, and Albania was politically isolated.
PositionIncumbentStart of TermEnd of Term
Chairman of the Council of MinistersMehmet ShehuJuly 14, 1962July 14, 1966
First Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersBeqir BallukuJuly 16, 1962March 18, 1966
First Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersSpiro KolekaJuly 16, 1962March 18, 1966
First Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersAbdyl KëlleziJanuary 1, 1965January 1, 1966
Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersBeqir BallukuMarch 18, 1966July 14, 1966
Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersHaki ToskaMarch 18, 1966July 14, 1966
Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersManush MyftiuJuly 16, 1962January 1, 1965
Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersAdil ÇarçaniJanuary 1, 1965July 14, 1966
Deputy Chairman of the Council of MinistersKoço TheodhosiJuly 16, 1962March 18, 1966
Minister of the InteriorKadri HazbiuJuly 16, 1962July 14, 1966
Chairman of the State Planning CommissionKoço Theodhosi
Spiro Koleka
July 16, 1962
March 18, 1966
March 18, 1966
July 14, 1966
Minister of People's DefenseBeqir BallukuJuly 16, 1962July 14, 1966
Minister of Foreign AffairsBehar Shtylla
Nesti Nase
July 16, 1962
March 18, 1966
March 18, 1966
July 14, 1966
Minister of Industry, Mining, and GeologyAdil ÇarçaniJuly 16, 1962January 1, 1965
Minister of IndustryKoço TheodhosiJanuary 1, 1965July 14, 1966
Minister of CommunicationsMilo QirkoJuly 16, 1962July 14, 1966
Minister of Education and CultureManush Myftiu
Fadil Paçrami
Thoma Deliana
July 16, 1962
January 1, 1965
March 18, 1966
January 1, 1965
March 18, 1966
July 14, 1966
Minister of FinanceAleks VerliJuly 16, 1962July 14, 1966
Minister of JusticeBilbil KlosiJuly 16, 1962July 14, 1966
Minister of Foreign TradeKiço NgjelaJanuary 1, 1966July 14, 1966
Minister of AgriculturePirro DodbibaJanuary 1, 1965July 14, 1966