Albanian Banks Association condemns violence against bank branches in Tirana
The Albanian Banks Association (AAB) has condemned violence and damage to bank branches and financial facilities during recent unrest in Tirana. It called for measures to protect employees and customers and ensure uninterrupted banking services. In a public statement, the AAB stressed that peaceful assembly, protest and freedom of expression …
Albanian Studies Centre Commemorates Renowned Arbëresh Linguist Antonino Guzzetta
The Centre for Arbëresh Studies and Publications commemorated linguist and Albanologist Antonino Guzzetta on the 104th anniversary of his birth. Born on October 14, 1922, in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily, Guzzetta devoted his career to preserving and promoting the Albanian language and Arbëresh culture. Guzzetta graduated from the University of …
Tirana Erupts in Chaos as Anti-Government Protests Escalate
Student-led demonstrations turn into violent confrontations, with attacks on state institutions and luxury buildings amid allegations of systemic corruption, police brutality and a deepening political crisis. Tirana Times, October 14, 2026 – Albania’s capital descended into scenes resembling a war zone Wednesday as anti-government protesters attacked state institutions, set fires …
Violent Protests Shake Albania as EU and UK Call for Restraint and Accountability
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Peleshi Urges Political Parties to Reject Calls for Violence
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Kumbaro Urges Students to Reject Violence Amid Protests
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
US Embassy Warns Americans to Avoid Protests Amid Risk of Escalation
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
Albanian Bishops Condemn Removal of Vatican Flag During Tirana Protest
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
Student Protests in Tirana: German Embassy Shares EU Delegation’s Statement
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Government Establishes Working Group for State Strategy to Defend Former KLA Leaders in The Hague
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Monday that those who destroy businesses, attack State Police officers and set fire to the capital are not protesters but perpetrators of violence. In a social media statement, Koçiu stressed that authorities must respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. However, she …
Tourism revenue in Albania has more than doubled in three years, while overnight stays outside the peak summer season have increased by around 78%, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja attended the Balkan Blue Economy Summit at Marina Orikum as part of the Balkans Sea Fair. …
Albania on Monday commemorated writer, playwright, screenwriter and journalist Dhimitër Xhuvani, who died on October 19, 2009. Xhuvani was one of the most prominent figures in Albanian literature in the second half of the 20th century. Born in Pogradec on May 23, 1934, he initially trained in medicine and worked …
The Swiss Embassy in Albania has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence and damage to public and private property during demonstrations in the country. It called on all sides to exercise restraint, ease tensions and prioritize constructive dialogue. In a statement posted on social media, the embassy stressed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to reject violence, stone-throwing and arson targeting public institutions. Rama said the government stands ready to hold talks at any time and without conditions. He also called on protest organizers to lead by example and help …
Marco Tarquinio, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, and Andreas Schieder, the Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Albania, have voiced concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. “We condemn the violent escalation of these protests, attacks on public institutions and the destruction of public and private …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Interior Minister Ervin Demo and senior State Police officials on Monday to address the violent protests that have rocked the capital in recent days. During the meeting, Rama accused Russia of seeking to undermine Albania’s economic growth, discourage investment and obstruct its EU integration. He …
Albanian karate athlete Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, securing a place among the world’s top three junior athletes in the under-55kg category. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the achievement, praising Hasani’s performance on the international stage. Hasani secured …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that citizens have the right to protest but must not resort to violence, as demonstrations continued in the capital in recent days. In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from protests across Europe and urged citizens not to fall for what …
Socialist MP Pirro Vengu has reacted to the government’s decision to award bonuses to State Police officers who have been on the front lines of student protests for several days. Vengu linked salary increases and bonuses to the need to prioritize professions that contribute to the functioning of the state …