The 1925 Constitution and its impact on political and legal developments in Albania

Abstract

The 1925 Constitution and its impact on political and legal developments in Albania - The 1925 Constitution marks a pivotal moment in Albania's political and legal history, establishing the groundwork for a republican system following the conclusion of the princedom era and the challenges of state formation. This study analytically evaluates the Constitution's content, emphasising the structure of the presidential republic, the responsibilities of the President, and the constraints on the functions of the legislative and judicial branches. This analysis examines how the constitution legitimised the consolidation of Ahmet Zog's personal authority and contributed to the establishment of a centralising authoritarian system. It also evaluates its influence on the transformation of the legal system, in comparison to the preceding Ottoman legislation and the endeavours for modernisation in accordance with the Western model. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach to critically examine the short-term and long-term effects of this constitution on Albanian political and legal life, thereby enhancing the comprehension of institutionalisation processes in Albania during the 1920s.

Keywords: Constitution of 1925; Republic; Ottoman legislation; Authoritarian system; Western model of governance