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Kamza’ Mayor appears at SPAK on corruption charges

Mayor of Kamza, Rakip Suli, went this Monday to the premises of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK), regarding the accusation of corruption and violation of equality in tenders. In this summoning, Suli thus responds to the second call from SPAK. While entering the premises of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, Suli …

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Opposition MPs climbed through windows to enter assembly offices

Opposition MPs that have been excluded from the work of the Assembly for several days, were not allowed to enter the headship building this Monday. This caused tensions with the guard who blocked the door to prevent their entry. Deputy Flamur Noka managed to overcome the railings and enter the …

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Electricians’ salaries to increase as of November

Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, has revealed Monday that as of this month, the new salary system for OSHEE employees comes into force. During her speech, she revealed that this increase will be made according to sectors, starting with electricians, technicians, …

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Scrap metal collection point engulfed by flames

A fire has engulfed a surface of the scrap collection point in the Metalurgjik area in Elbasan this Monday. Abcnews reported that the fire was spotted by the fire brigade. Firefighters are working to extinguish the flames. /abcnews.al […] Read More… Original post Here

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First in Europe, Albania ranks third globally in tourism growth – UNWTO report

TIRANA, Nov. 6 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed that Albania secured the third position globally in terms of tourism sector growth during the first seven months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2019.  The latest data from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer underscored …

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Police: 587 citizens arrested in October

The State Police has made a work balance sheet for the month of October for the identification and attack of illegalities, the prevention of criminal events and the capture of wanted citizens, to guarantee the rule of law, which brings order and security to the citizens. It is reported that …

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Wanted for murder, Elmir Tufa appears in court

Elmir Tufa, one of the suspected perpetrators of the murder of Shkëlzen Kastrati on February 1, 2021, has just arrived at the Fier court in the Sheqit Madh roundabout in Fier. Verification of the security measure against Tufa is expected this Sunday. Elmir Tufa was arrested this Thursday. He was …

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Operation ‘Temple’, eight arrested by Tirana police

Eight people have been arrested by the Tirana police in the continuation of the coded operation “Temple”. According to the police, these people were caught selling drugs in doses near night clubs in the capital. Kol Braçi, Orgito Idrizi, Helson Gjabri, Arjan Domi, Endrit Kotorri, Elvi Zani and two minors …

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Renown director passes away at 81

The well-known director, Vladimir Prifti, passed away this Sunday at the age of 81. Through a post on social networks, the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, declared that Albanian cinematography lost another great figure. Prifti is the director of some of the films such as “The Way of Letters”, “Who …

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Analysis: Corruption probe involving former prime minister seen as litmus test for Albania’s new justice system

TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s former prime minister, Sali Berisha, is being investigated for “passive corruption” by Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with a specialized court ruling that he cannot leave the country and must present himself to court authorities twice a month. The same …

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UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship

TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times.   In  a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …

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Week in Review: Surprises in Store

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here

News
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks

This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here

News
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties

Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here

News
Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!

In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …

News
Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption

TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …

News
From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers

After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …

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Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins

In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here

News
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 14, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News
Week in Review: Surprises in Store

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here

News

UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship

TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times.   In  a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …

News

Week in Review: Surprises in Store

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here

News

Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks

This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here

News

Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties

Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here

News

Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!

In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …

News

Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption

TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …

News

From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers

After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …

News

Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins

In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 14, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Week in Review: Surprises in Store

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here