Kryetar

Kryetar is an Albanian title meaning the head or chairman of a body, and it is used to designate the leading person of a political party, a council or committee, a municipality, an association, or another organization. The term signals the role of presiding over meetings, guiding the organization’s work, and representing it publicly.

Etymology and gender forms: The word is formed from the root krye, meaning head, with the agentive suffix -etar. The feminine form is kryetare, and in many contexts the form kryetarja is also used to refer to a female chair.

Contexts and duties: In politics and public life, the title appears in phrases such as kryetari i partisë (chairman of the party), kryetari i Kuvendit (Speaker of the Parliament), or kryetari i bashkisë (mayor). It is also used for heads of boards, committees, or associations. Typical duties include presiding over meetings, setting agendas, coordinating activities, representing the body in official capacities, and signing documents on its behalf. The exact powers and responsibilities depend on the statute of the organization and the legal framework of the country.

Selection and tenure: A kryetar is usually elected by the members of the body or by a broader electorate, according to the organization’s rules. Term length and vacancy procedures vary by jurisdiction and charter, and vacancies are typically filled by internal elections or votes.

Regional usage: The title is common in Albanian-speaking regions, notably Albania and Kosovo, as well as Albanian-majority communities in neighboring countries.