Ilir Meta is an Albanian politician born on March 24, 1969, in Çorovodë, Skrapar. He has served in several key positions in Albanian politics, including Prime Minister (1999–2002), Speaker of the Parliament (2013–2017), and President of the Republic (2017–2022). In 2004, Meta founded the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI), which was renamed in 2022 as the Freedom Party, currently led by him.
In October 2024, Meta was arrested on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of personal income and assets. He has denied these allegations, describing them as politically motivated due to his criticisms of the current government. The investigations are still ongoing, and if found guilty, he could face up to 12 years in prison.
Meta has been an important figure in Albanian politics for more than two decades, playing key roles in the country’s political developments.
