Tirana police fine 37 protesters for blocking traffic
Tirana police said on Wednesday that they had issued 37 fines to protesters over the past two days. Police said the protesters had blocked the road and obstructed traffic on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Each protester was fined 5,000 lek. “In Tirana, 37 administrative penalties were imposed for blocking the …
Musicians with disabilities deliver moving rendition of patriotic song
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – For more than two decades, the “The Door Albania” brass band in Shkodra has demonstrated how music can foster inclusion, social interaction and the development of skills among people with disabilities. The band’s musicians have given a special performance of “Për ty Atdhe” (For You, …
Justice Minister meets Italian officials to discuss faster court proceedings, lower costs
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Justice Minister Toni Gogu held meetings in Rome with Italian institutional representatives to strengthen judicial cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on shortening court proceedings and reducing costs. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met with Maurizio Gasparri, chairman of the Foreign Affairs …
Defense Minister: Armed Forces’ Special Operations capabilities assessed against NATO standards
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The assessment of Albania’s Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG), a capability declared by the Albanian Armed Forces to NATO, is under way as part of the “Illyrian Shield 26” military exercise. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, who shared footage from the exercise on Wednesday, said …
Socialists set Nov. 30 deadline for electoral reform, rule out extending committee’s mandate
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The ruling Socialist Party will not support an extension of the parliamentary committee tasked with electoral reform beyond November 30, Socialist parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Wednesday, warning that the party would push through the legislation without opposition support if no agreement is …
Albania’s National Folk Ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances is set to perform in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in its 70-year history, bringing the country’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience. The Albanian artists will present a show entitled “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, …
CEC head hosts EU Ambassador to discuss Albania’s electoral reform, OSCE/ODHIR recommendations
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Electoral reform, the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and improvements to Albania’s electoral processes were the focus of talks between Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Ilirjan Celibashi and European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Wednesday. In a social media post, Celibashi said …
Government allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital care, plans new facility in Korça
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The government’s draft 2027 budget allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital services, targeting around 370,000 patients across Albania’s public hospital network, Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu said on Wednesday. The funding is intended to support five tertiary hospitals, 12 regional hospitals and 23 municipal hospitals as …
Berisha: DP ready to back fully open national electoral lists
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) supports fully open electoral lists at the national level as part of ongoing discussions on Albania’s electoral reform, party leader Sali Berisha said on Wednesday. Berisha said he favoured the Kosovo electoral model, which allows voters greater freedom to express …
Albania earmarks 5.3 billion leks for national farm support scheme in 2027
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s draft 2027 budget provides increased support for farmers, domestic production, investment and food safety, as the country seeks to modernise its agricultural sector and bring it closer to European Union standards, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Wednesday. The ministry has …