Student Protests: Swiss Embassy in Tirana Calls on All Sides to De-escalate Tensions
The Swiss Embassy in Tirana has issued a statement regarding the student protests that have continued for seven days in the Albanian capital. In its statement, the embassy called on all sides to de-escalate tensions and engage in constructive dialogue. “Switzerland is concerned about the recent outbreak of violence and …
Rama to Meet Socialist Party Parliamentary Group Tomorrow, Measures Against Violent Protesters Expected to Be Announced
The Socialist Party’s parliamentary group will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the Parliament’s headquarters. Prime Minister Edi Rama will also attend the meeting. According to Euronews Albania journalist Eksiola Shehu, measures targeting individuals who engage in acts of violence during the student protests are also expected to be announced …
Albania’s Revolt Against the Government
The prime minister accuses Russia and Iran of fueling protests as allegations of state capture, police violence and dissent from Socialist figures deepen Albania’s political crisis. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Parts of central Tirana have taken on the appearance of a conflict zone: burning debris, damaged buildings and …
Albania’s Defence Tax Breaks Raise State Capture Concerns
Proposed fiscal concessions would benefit private partners of the state defence company KAYO as an arms-trafficking investigation puts the sector under scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Albania’s government is proposing additional tax privileges for the defence industry while the state company at the centre of its expansion, KAYO, …
“Citizens must be patient,” Rama reacts again to protests: I am ready for dialogue with anyone except those engaging in violence
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past seven days. In a post on his Facebook page, Rama reiterated that he is ready for dialogue with anyone, “except those engaging in violence and political parties that fail …
Protests, Rama: €2,500 for every frontline police officer and salary increases from January 1
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials following last night’s violent protest. During the meeting, Rama condemned attacks on police officers and announced significant salary increases for police personnel starting January 1, as well as financial support of €2,500 for …
European Parliament reacts to protests in Tirana: We condemn the escalation. Serious concerns over police violence against young people
The Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, Marco Tarquinio, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, have expressed concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. In a joint statement, they condemned violence, attacks on institutions and the destruction of property, while calling …
Rama reiterates call for dialogue: You are welcome, whenever and wherever you want, without conditions. We are ready!
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to distance themselves from acts of violence, stone-throwing and arson attacks against institutions. Rama stressed that the government is ready to hold talks at any time and without preconditions, while calling on protest organisers to set …
Ervin Demo: The right to protest is guaranteed, violence cannot be justified and offenders will be held accountable under the law
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has once again responded to the protests of recent days, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and that the State Police have a duty to ensure demonstrations take place peacefully. Demo emphasised that police intervention will only take place when necessary …
Protests in Europe and Albania, Council of Europe Secretary General reacts
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has reacted to the wave of protests sweeping several European countries in a post on the social media platform X. In his statement, Berset also mentioned Albania, highlighting the causes of social discontent as well as the violent incidents that …
More than 200 minors have been arrested or charged amid protests in Albania, while the Ombudsperson and rights organisations report allegations of police violence and breaches of safeguards designed to protect children. Original post Here
Adea Pirdeni took office as Albania’s Minister of Public Administration after swearing an oath before President Bajram Begaj today. On October 19, 2026, Begaj signed two decrees concerning Pirdeni’s appointment. Decree No. 521 ended her tenure as Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption. Decree No. 522 appointed her …
Albania’s Electricity Distribution Operator has signed a contract to build a new underground power substation in central Tirana. The facility will have an installed capacity of 200 megavolt-amperes and three underground floors. The project will be the first of its kind in Albania and the Balkan region. The operator’s administrator, …
The European People’s Party (EPP) has called for respect for peaceful protest in Albania. In a statement on X, the centre-right political group said authorities must uphold this right. It called for immediate, thorough and independent investigations into allegations of excessive, unlawful or disproportionate use of force. It also stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore will resume this weekend with five matches scheduled for October 24 and 25 as teams continue their battle for the season’s goals. Saturday’s action will begin at 13:30, with Partizani facing Skënderbeu at Vora Stadium and Laçi hosting Vora. Two more matches will kick off at 18:30, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on last week’s protests. He said the right to protest was undeniable, but violence was an unjustifiable crime. In a message on social media, Rama said he wanted to explain one aspect of what he described as days of psychological terror against the capital …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu says the digitalization of enforcement services aims to improve access to court decisions and reduce waiting times at service counters. He stressed that winning a court case is only the first step; authorities must also enforce the ruling. Data published by the ministry show that 22 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has claimed that violence at recent protests in Albania was planned months in advance. He said the State Police now holds information about the people and groups allegedly involved. In a statement shared on social media, Rama said he had recognised the protesters’ right to demand …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed Albania’s full support for Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates as a candidate for United Nations secretary-general. In a post on X, he described her candidacy as an opportunity for a fresh start for the international organization. Rama said he had met Nusseibeh …
Albania’s parliament has passed a new Copyright Law aimed at strengthening protections for Albanian creators and aligning the country with European standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the law introduces stricter rules for digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. Platforms must obtain authorization to use copyrighted …