In what has become an almost ritualistic tradition in Albania, new police chiefs have been appointed across several commissariats. According to local media, the latest shuffle includes a fresh lineup of familiar faces — just in slightly different chairs.
Idriz Daulle, previously Deputy Director of Order in Tirana’s Local Police Directorate, is now the new Chief of Police Station No. 5 in Tirana. Meanwhile, Besmir Qebini, who held that exact position, has been sent to lead the Kukës station. Bekim Lika is moving from Kukës to Shkodër. Ermal Kenaçi is heading Station No. 2 in the capital, while Feliks Hoda is off to Station No. 4. Ervis Gjoshi, previously Chief of Station No. 4, is being promoted to Deputy Director of Order in Tirana. And rounding out the cast, Robert Losha and Elton Shahini have been appointed chiefs of Stations No. 7 and No. 1 respectively.
The message is clear: if corruption persists, just rotate the names.
Because, obviously, changing who wears the uniform is far more effective than addressing the elephant in the room — the rampant, deep-rooted corruption that no reshuffle seems to touch. From police stations to ministries, the dance continues. Albania has seen even Interior Ministers arrested for corruption, yet somehow the system always survives unshaken. It’s as if the structure is designed to remain exactly the same — no matter who's temporarily holding the keys.
So what do these endless reshuffles really change? Perhaps the wallpaper. Maybe the stationery. But definitely not public trust, and certainly not results.
In a country where major drug traffickers operate under the nose of law enforcement, where crime families flourish with stunning impunity, and where citizens increasingly view the state as something to be avoided rather than relied upon, the annual "Spring Cleaning" of police titles is less reform and more theater.
After all, you can’t uproot a tree by trimming the leaves — but it does make for good optics. And in a country that’s become an expert in optics over substance, these reshuffles play their part beautifully.
One could almost admire the efficiency of the system: the same problems, recycled faces, and a press release to make it look like progress. Rinse and repeat.