International Observers Condemn ‘Abusive Practices’ in Albania’s Elections
International observers criticised ‘widespread intimidation and abuse of public resources’ in Sunday’s election – which Edi Rama’s ruling Socialist Party looks set to win by a landslide. Original post Here
Edi Rama’s Socialist Party Leads in Albanian Parliamentary Elections
With vote-counting continuing from Sunday’s election, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party appears to be on track to win an unprecedented fourth term in office, although Sali Berisha’s opposition Democratic Party is showing gains. Original post Here
Balkan Church Leaders Embrace Leo, the First American Pope
Balkan members of the Catholic Church have praised “broad-minded, spontaneous” Pope Leo XIV for his education, experience and openness. Original post Here
May 11 Elections: Albania at a Democratic and European Crossroads
Tirana Times, May 8,– On May 11, 2025, Albania will hold its tenth parliamentary elections since the fall of communism in 1991 – a moment expected to be decisive not only for the political fate of the main parties but also for the democratic future and European orientation of the …
Diaspora Vote and New Parties Bring Air of Uncertainty to Albanian Election
The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning
The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here
‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming
Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’
In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here
Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly
TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …
Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties
President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes. Peleshi said Albania and Turkey share a long-standing friendship and a consolidated strategic partnership. Moreover, he stressed that the relationship continues to strengthen in support of peace, security and economic development. In addition, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the “Welcome Center” in Saranda, a multifunctional facility that will open soon. She said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albania’s tradition of hospitality. Moreover, Koçiu toured the new building together with Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi. The site includes 100 public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. Rama said the conversation reflects a period when free speech, as he put it, was threatened under an …
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. During the discussion, Rama commented on the political opposition. He focused on the Democratic Party. Moreover, he said the Democratic …