Rama: Protests Are a Right, but Violence Is a Crime
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 …
Police Bonuses, Vengu: Teachers, Military Personnel, Doctors and Firefighters Should Also Be at the Top of the Pay Scale
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 …
Orthodox Church Reacts to Incident in Tirana Cathedral Courtyard: Distance Yourselves from Violence
The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has reacted following an incident in the courtyard of the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana during an afternoon protest in the capital. In an official statement, the Church expressed concern over the incident, stressing that places of worship should not become sites of …
Student Protests: Government Allocates 740 Million Lek in Bonuses for Police Officers
The decision comes after six days of protests and clashes in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed his support for State Police officers, while the government has approved funding for their bonuses. Amid ongoing protests in Tirana, the government approved a fund of 740 million and 80,000 lek …
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 …
Albania will host the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) for the first time. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU member states and countries across the southern Mediterranean. Over three days, more than 80 representatives of local and regional authorities will discuss shared …
Albania will protect the constitutional right to protest while taking firm, lawful measures to prevent violence and maintain public order, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on Thursday. Speaking from San Patrignano, Italy, where he is attending an international high-level meeting on addiction prevention and rehabilitation, Demo discussed public safety with …
Albania has taken the first step towards building a new French Lyceum in Korçë, a public school of excellence that will focus on science, technology and multilingual education. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government has approved the draft law for the project. The new school will be established …
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …