Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidationof the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s leadership, while simultaneously revealing adeterioration in democratic standards across the country: unequal representation, abuse ofstate resources, media capture, and pressure on the opposition. The near-absolute majoritythat the Socialist Party has effectively secured in these elections …
Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Rejects Election Results as Socialists Score Major Victory
After Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party won a record fourth term in office with a big majority, opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said he would refuse to accept the results and announced a street protest. Original post Here
Free and Fair? Albania’s Flawed Election Reflects Worrying Global Trend
In a world where interest-driven foreign policies take precedence over democratic standards, the abuses documented during Albania’s parliamentary election are unlikely to meet much criticism – allowing the ruling Socialist Party to consolidate power. Original post Here
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
Taulant Balla supports Albanian students protesting in North Macedonia. He posts on social media. He backs their demand. Students want the bar exam in Albanian. Balla says the request is legitimate. He says the constitution already recognizes this right. Yet, it is not applied in practice. He calls for action. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. They first met in Tirana. Later, they continued talks in Durrës. Both sides confirmed strong relations. They also confirmed mutual trust and a strong partnership. Hoxha said both …
Opposition MPs Ina Zhupa and Ivi Kaso meet today with Scott Bates. They discuss with the National Democratic Institute director for Europe. Zhupa leads the discussion. She focuses on transparency. She pushes for inclusion. She demands stronger Parliament oversight. The MPs raise concerns. They highlight challenges facing the opposition. They …
The Embassy of the United States in Albania honors 13 Albanian employees who retire after more than 25 years of service. The embassy holds a ceremony. It invites colleagues and family members. It recognizes long service and dedication. Nancy VanHorn presents U.S. flags to the retirees. She thanks them for …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi meets today with Scott Bates. They discuss cooperation between the Assembly of Albania and the National Democratic Institute. Peleshi focuses on transparency. He emphasizes accountability. He pushes for modernization of parliamentary processes. Both sides highlight long-term cooperation. They strengthen the Parliamentary Institute as a success …
Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of South Korea (May 17–21). His wife, Linda Rama, and an official delegation accompany him. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. It also seeks to expand partnership in development, technology, and innovation. Rama arrives …
President Bajram Begaj met today with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. They discussed relations between Albania and Qatar. Begaj praised strong ties between the two countries. He highlighted good cooperation and called for stronger political and economic relations. He also supported increased Qatari …
The European Union supports Albania and Kosovo in improving plant production and plant health monitoring through the “EU4Trade” project. As part of the initiative, inspectors from the General Directorate of Plant Protection and regional veterinary and plant protection authorities from both countries met in Prizren over the weekend. They attend …
President Bajram Begaj meets today participants of the High Course on Security and Defence at the Albanian Armed Forces College. Representatives from security institutions and allied countries attend the meeting. These include Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Kosovo, Poland, and Jordan. Begaj praises the course. He highlights cooperation among …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu supports Albanian students protesting in North Macedonia. He praises the protest. He calls it peaceful and civic. He describes it as a European example. Vengu says students defend the Albanian language in professional exams. He says they show strong civic energy. He states that the …