Opposition warns to block session as parliament convenes to discuss 2024 budget
Albania’s Assembly will convene this Monday, although the opposition has warned that it will block the plenary session again. This plenary session is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. in a marathon session where the 2024 budget will be discussed and approved, while the opposition has opposed this budget. Meanwhile, …
Berisha risks new security measure if he doesn’t appear at SPAK
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha risks facing a new measure if he again refuses to appear in the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). At 10:00 am, Berisha will have to appear in SPAK, according to the order of GJKKO, in implementation of the court’s decision given on …
Former Minister Beqaj to be questioned by GJKKO for sterilization concession
Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) will hold this Monday the hearing for the questioning of the former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, who is accused of abuse of office by SPAK in connection with the investigations that were carried out for the sterilization concession medical instruments. Session …
Opposition caused tensions in Assembly, 2024 budget approved in principle
This Monday’s plenary session lasted only 5 minutes, when it was expected to discuss the most important economic bill of the year, “Budget Project 2024”. The opposition MPs gathered the chairs in the lectern again, while they physically clashed with some of the Guard employees. While opposing the deployment of …
Former PM Berisha didn’t appear at court, what happens now
Session against Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha was interrupted for a few minutes this Monday, although the latter did not appear, but was represented by his two lawyers. Prosecutor Arben Kraja did not appear and was replaced by prosecutor Doloreza Musabelliu, but the reason why Kraja made this decision is …
Rama: Over 8,000 mothers to benefit from social protection program
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared good news on his social media profile this Sunday, stating that over 8,000 female heads of families with three or more children will benefit from social protection programs. “Over 8,000 female heads of families with three or more children aged up to 18 will benefit …
Tried to deceive a businessman, police arrested a 42 year old
A 42-year-old man was arrested in Tirana as part of the coded police operation “Replay 2”. Arjan Ballcaj tried to deceive a businessman, in order to gain 200,000 euros, presenting himself as a high official. As material evidence, 1 vehicle and 1 mobile phone were seized. The operation was carried …
Police plan of measures for Albania-Faroe Islands match
The State Police has published the plan of measures for the international football match between Albania and the Faroe Islands, which will be played on Monday (November 20) at the “Air Albania” Stadium. The plan of measures foresees the tasks that all structures will perform, in order to guarantee order …
Ten arrested in Tirana, for various criminal offences
Specialists for Narcotics Investigation arrested the 29-year-old citizen, after during the physical check and that in the apartment, the Police services found and seized, as material evidence, quantities of suspected narcotic cannabis, two metal shredders and pharmaceutical bags. Crime Investigation Specialists of the Police Station No. 2 arrested the 67-year-old …
Mayor Veliaj’s congratulatory message on Tirana’s 79th Liberation Anniversary
Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, issued this Friday the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Albanian capital. Through a reaction on Facebook, Veliaj said that Tirana is now more beautiful and united than ever, making everyone feel proud. “Happy 79th anniversary of liberation, our Tirana! We honor and respect the …
By Tirana Times Albania is facing a demographic collapse of historic proportions. What was once described as a temporary “wave of migration” in the 1990s has hardened into a permanent, structural crisis that now threatens the very future of the nation. The data is stark, the trend undeniable, and the …
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 11, 2025 ) – Albania’s government has unveiled what it calls a bold step in its fight against endemic corruption: the appointment of the country’s first artificial intelligence “minister.” The AI system, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, has been presented by Prime Minister Edi …
From attempts to neuter popular opposition to efforts to stifle the truth about mass protests, this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories explores the turbulent political landscape across the region. Original post Here
Rama announces new cabinet and calls fresh elections for the Tirana mayoralty – seven months after Mayor Erion Veliaj was arrested on charges of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
The new head of RTSH, Eni Vasili, admits to BIRN that the company is facing a dire financial situation – after several contributors revealed they had not been paid for months. Original post Here
Outside programme contributors to Albania’s indebted public broadcaster say they haven’t paid for months and are in the dark as to when they will receive the money they are owed. Original post Here
The latest China Index analysis, published by a civil society network that includes BIRN, suggests that Beijing’s influence declined in most of the Balkans in 2024, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina bucking that trend. Original post Here
Instead of stimulating investment in agriculture or energy, critics say a 2015 ‘special law’ on strategic investment in Albania has simply made it easier and more profitable for certain privileged businesspeople to build luxury villas on the coast. Original post Here
Halfway into a 12-month ban on TikTok in Albania, anecdotal evidence suggests the prohibition is being widely flouted while the government remains silent on promised filters to weed out ‘undesirable’ content. Original post Here
Our selection of Premium stories this week looks at the challenges facing the region as the summer season winds down and business-as-usual resumes. Original post Here