Rexhep Meidani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rexhep Meidani
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Meidani in 2020
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| President of Albania | |
| In office 24 July 1997 – 24 July 2002 |
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| Prime Minister | Fatos Nano Pandeli Majko Ilir Meta Pandeli Majko |
| Preceded by | Sali Berisha |
| Succeeded by | Alfred Moisiu |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Rexhep Qemal Meidani
17 August 1944 Tirana, German Occupied Albania (modern Albania) |
| Political party | Socialist Party |
| Spouse | Lidra Karagjozi |
| Children | 2 (Adea, Denion) |
| Profession | Physicist |
| Signature | .svg){kind=small} |
Rexhep Qemal Meidani (born on 17 August 1944) is an Albanian physicist, professor, diplomat, and politician. He was the President of Albania from 1997 to 2002. He was the second president chosen after Albania's first multi-party elections in 1991.
Learning and Teaching Science
Rexhep Meidani studied physics at the University of Tirana. He earned his degree in 1966. Later, he continued his studies in France at the University of Caen in 1974. He also earned special degrees called PhDs from the University of Paris XI and the University of Tirana.
From 1966 to 1996, Meidani worked at the University of Tirana. He was a professor and led different departments. He even became the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. During these years, he wrote many studies, books, and articles about science. He is known as one of Albania's most important academics.
His Journey in Politics
Meidani started his political career in the 1990s. In 1991, he led the Central Election Commission. This group makes sure elections are fair. He was also part of the Presidential Council that year.
From 1992 to 1996, he worked with groups that help people. He was the head of the Albanian Center of Human Rights. In 1996, he joined the Socialist Party. He quickly became the party's Secretary General, a very important role.
In June 1997, Meidani was elected to the Albanian Assembly. This is like Albania's parliament. The Socialist Party and its allies won the elections. On 24 July 1997, the Albanian Assembly chose him to be the President of Albania. He served as president until 2002.
After his time as president, Meidani continued to be involved in politics. He is also a member of the Club of Madrid. This is a group of former presidents and prime ministers from around the world. They work to promote democracy.
Awards and Recognition
Rexhep Meidani has received several important awards:
He received the Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Star of Romania in 1999.
He was given the Knight Grand Cross of the Grand Order of King Tomislav in 2001. This award was for helping to improve friendship between Croatia and Albania.- He also received an honorary degree from The American University of Rome.
See also
- Politics of Albania
- President of Albania
- Presidents of Albania
