Seven prosecuted for jewelery smuggling in Tirana
Seven people were prosecuted this Thursday morning in Tirana as part of the police operation coded “Second Hand”. These persons were prosecuted, because jewelry such as pendants, bracelets, rings, with the inscription “Pandora”, which they did not justify with customs and tax invoices, and suspected smuggling, were found in their …
Head of Saranda’s INUV arrested for abuse of duty
Director of Local Urban Construction Inspectorate (INUV) in the Municipality of Saranda, Nasip Hoxha was arrested this Thursday. According to the local media, Hoxha has been put in handcuffs, after being accused of abuse of office. His arrest was carried out by order of the prosecutor Besjana Sadikaj. Hoxha took …
SPAK operation, Erzen Brecani appears today before court
The Special Court has postponed by one hour the hearing for the confirmation of the security measure for the four arrested within the SPAK operation related to some interceptions on the Sky application. Journalist Ervin Leka said that the session has been postponed so that the lawyers can familiarize themselves …
Begaj calls for ensuring Albanian Diaspora’s votes
President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj declared this Thursday that the diaspora is an extension of culture and identity of the Albanian state. During his speech at the Third Diaspora Summit, Begaj said that Albanian citizens living abroad should have the right to vote from where they live. “Albania is …
Hasani: Diaspora, irreplaceable role in advancing the national cause
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, stated that the Diaspora has an irreplaceable role in the advancement of the national cause. Hasani gave the statement during his speech at the Third Diaspora Summit in Tirana. According to him, the summit takes place at a moment when we Albanians, more …
Critics say majority has shut opposition out of parliamentary oversight
TIRANA, Nov. 23, 2023 – Albania’s Parliament, controlled by the ruling Socialist Party, approved the 2023 state budget this week in less than two minutes and without any discussion amid chaotic scenes that saw opposition MPs lit up stadium flares and overthrow chairs in an attempt to disrupt the proceedings. …
Rama to NATO: To co-finance the naval base in Porto Romano
Prime Minister Edi Rama delivered his speech during the joint press conference in Skopje, with the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, the President of Croatia, the Prime Minister of Montenegro and the Prime Minister of Slovenia. Rama said that Albania’s request for co-financing …
Fredi Beleri’s trial has been postponed again
Fredi Beleri’s trial has been postponed. Journalist Ermal Vija told for ABC that the witness Abdyl Rama, brother of Arsen Rama, associate of justice, has not been found. Meanwhile, the next session will be held on December 5 at 15:00. /abcnews.al […] Read More… Original post Here
Three teens injured in Saranda car accident
An accident was recorded late on Tuesday evening in Saranda, where three teenagers were injured. Vehicle they were traveling in, went off the road and they ended up in the stream and were immediately transported to the Saranda hospital. On its part, the Police blocked the vehicle, which is suspected …
“Temple” operation, 3 arrested in Tirana
Three people have been arrested following the police anti-drug operation codenamed “Temple”. Bruno Xhaferaj, Agron Mema and Rediol Mekolli, were caught on “Papa John Paul II” street, with 310 doses of cocaine ready for sale. Doses of cocaine were seized together with 5 mobile phones. From the verifications carried out, …
Albania’s smaller parties believe the country’s two main political forces unexpectedly agreed to work together on electoral reform in order to fix the system to maintain their dominance. Original post Here
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Tirana Times sat with the Head of the Taipei Representative office in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Tsao on his recent visit to Albania to talk about cooperation and exchange in technology, development, education and more… Your Excellency, Taiwan is known globally for its advanced technology and innovation sectors. What specific areas …
Online disinformation from opponents of the new gender equality law shouldn’t obscure the real issue: this vital legislation has been adopted by parliament, but now we need it to work in practice, not just on paper. Original post Here
Women’s rights groups hailed adoption of the new equality law as a historic move – while the opposition Democratic Party and ‘pro-family’ groups called it an attack on traditional values. Original post Here
A leaked file, apparently from an anti-corruption prosecutors’ probe, suggests deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku played an active role in predetermining the winner of a major construction tender. Original post Here
Tirana Times | November 5, 2025 Berlin/Tirana – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has downplayed growing Western fears of a possible Russian expansion of aggression in Europe, declaring that Moscow would “not attack Albania or any other European country” and that NATO remains fully capable of deterring any threat. In …
By Tirana Times November 5, 2025 Albania’s draft budget for 2026 marks a significant milestone in the country’s defense modernization and strategic alignment with NATO objectives. The government has announced a €100 million increase in defense funding, raising total expenditures to €589 million or approximately 2.1% of GDP surpassing the …
Encrypted platforms and secure devices have helped crime gangs in the Balkans to coordinate trafficking and payments – but while police have cracked several of them, the criminals quickly adopt new tools. Original post Here