Shefqet Vërlaci

Shefqet Vërlaci Bey (born 15 December 1877 in Elbasan, † July 21, 1946 in Zurich ) was an Albanian politician and twice Prime Minister of Albania.

Vërlaci was one of the largest landowners in Albania. He was the leader of the main conservative party in the country, the Progress Party. He sat down resolutely against any agrarian reform and for the landowners.

From 5 March to 27 May 1924, he was the first Prime Minister. He solved - from Ahmet Zogu, who had just been shot in an assassination attempt - as a kind of substitute. At that time Vërlaci had a close relationship with the late king, who was engaged to his daughter Fatima since 1922. The connection with the influential family Vërlaci was an important step for Zog ascent. It succeeded Vërlaci but not to bring the restless expectant situation in the country under control. Shortly after the assassination Avni Rustemis he had to leave and flee to Italy his post. His successor as foreign minister inserted Ilyaz Vrioni lasted only a few days in office; Zog opponent came to power and Fan Noli was in June Prime Minister.

After the engagement had been dissolved in 1926 without giving reasons by Zogu, the two men were to each other but in enmity. This year he planned a revolt against Zogu, who headed the government again. Also in 1935 he was co-leader of a rebellion against Zogu, who had meanwhile king. Meanwhile Vërlaci had found refuge in Italy.

Shortly after Italy had occupied Albania, Vërlaci was used on April 12, 1939 as Prime Minister of a puppet government. He was regarded as a vehement opponent Zog and had long maintained a close relationship with the Italian fascists. The Italians also appointed him to the Italian Senators. As in May 1941 King Victor Emmanuel III. Visited Albania, he was shot and Vërlaci. In December 1941 Vërlaci was issued because peace and order in the country could not be enforced, and replaced by Mustafa Kruja, which was not a landowner. As a result, even Vërlaci committed against the Italian occupiers.

After the communist takeover Vërlaci was expropriated. He fled to Italy and died in 1946 in Zurich.