Gazmend Oketa (born 14 December 1968 in Durrës District, Albania) is an Albanian politician. He served as Deputy Prime Minister of Albania, as well as Minister of Defence.

Gazmend Oketa
Oketa at the Pentagon in 2008
31st Defence Minister of Albania
In office
March 22, 2008 (2008-03-22) – September 17, 2009 (2009-09-17)
PresidentBamir Topi
Prime MinisterSali Berisha
Preceded byFatmir Mediu
Succeeded byArben Imami
Deputy Prime Minister
In office
March 12, 2007 (2007-03-12) – 2008
PresidentAlfred Moisiu
Bamir Topi
Prime MinisterSali Berisha
Preceded byIlir Rusmajli
Personal details
Born (1968-12-14) 14 December 1968 (age 55)
NationalityAlbanian
Political partyDemocratic Party (2002-2012,2018-present)
New Democratic Spirit (2012-2018)
Signature

Political career edit

On 12 March 2007, Oketa was named Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Ilir Rusmajli.[1] On 22 March 2008, Oketa succeeded Fatmir Mediu as Minister Of Defence following Medihu's resignation. He was replaced on 17 September 2009 by Arben Imami.

On 30 May 2012, Oketa formed a new political party in Albania, New Democratic Spirit, alongside other Democratic Party politicians.[2] Albanian media called it "The Party of President" referring to Bamir Topi.

References edit

  1. ^ "Key Transitions". Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy. 35 (3): 17. 2007.
  2. ^ "New Party To Challenge Berisha". Emerging Europe Monitor: South East Europe (Report). BMI Research. July 2012. p. 10.

External links edit