Shefqet Verlaci Prime Minister of Albania Date of Birth: 15.12.1877 Country: Albania

1. Biography of Shefqet Bej Verlaci
2. Political Career and Opposition to Land Reform
3. Prime Minister and Exile
4. Italian Occupation and Demands for Territory

Biography of Shefqet Bej Verlaci

Shefqet Bej Verlaci, also known as Shefket Verladji, was born on December 15, 1877, in Elbasan, Albania. He served as the Prime Minister of Albania in 1924 and during the Italian occupation from 1939 to 1941.

Political Career and Opposition to Land Reform

In 1922, Verlaci emerged as the largest landowner in Albania and became the leader of the conservative Progressive Party. He strongly opposed any attempts at land reform, which made him a prominent figure in the country's political landscape.

Verlaci's influence reached a new level when his daughter became engaged to the renowned Albanian politician, Ahmed Zogu. With Verlaci's support, Zogu eventually became the Prime Minister of Albania.

Prime Minister and Exile

In the early months of 1924, a financial scandal and allegations of Zogu's involvement in an assassination attempt led to his resignation. Verlaci assumed the position of Prime Minister on March 5, 1924, but his tenure was short-lived. He fled to Italy in June 1924 following the dictatorship of Fan Noli, who sentenced Verlaci to death and confiscated all his assets.

When Zogu ascended to the throne as King Zog I in 1928, he broke off his engagement with Verlaci's daughter, creating a bitter rivalry between the two.

Italian Occupation and Demands for Territory

On April 12, 1939, Verlaci became the head of the Albanian government formed by the Italian occupiers. For four days, he also served as the acting Head of State until King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy was proclaimed King of Albania on April 16. With Italian support, Verlaci demanded the inclusion of Albanian-populated territories from Yugoslavia (Kosovo) and Greece into Albania.

Verlaci resigned from his position in December 1941 and spent his remaining years in Zurich, Switzerland. He passed away in 1946 and was buried in a Protestant cemetery in Rome.