Minister’s statement on Former PM Berisha’s process on corruption charges
Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro answered this Wednesday journalists’ questions regarding the security measure given by Special Court (GJKKO) to former Prime Minister Sali Berisha regarding the privatization of the Partizani complex. In her statement after the government’s decisions, Kumbaro emphasized that the majority, which established this new justice system, …
Lezha teacher’s arm broken by student in chair fight
A serious incident happened at the high school “Hydajet Lezha” in the city of Lezha this Wednesday. Teacher Majlinda Palushi was hit with a chair by a student inside the school premises. She was sent by ambulance to Lezha hospital and it is learned that she broke her arm from …
Persons who raped woman in Vlora left in prison
Court of Vlora decided this Wednesday the security measure ‘Arrest with prison’ for the three citizens accused of incitement and use of drugs and then the rape of the 26-year-old a few days ago. Two of them, Oltjon Tahiri and Albi Ceno, have been arrested, while Gentjano Mehmeti has been …
Rama meets Varheleyi in Brussels
Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Brussels, where he will participate in the “Global Gateway” forum on the current challenges of Europe and the importance of international cooperation. The head of the government met with the commissioner for expansion Oliver Varhelyi. The Prime Minister’s visit to Brussels comes a few …
Mayor Veliaj met ex-ambassador Arvizu in US visit
Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj has met with a special friend of Albania, the former US ambassador Aleksandër Arvizu, in his last visit to the United States of America. As it can be seen from this photo published by Veliaj, he has got a great friendship with the former American …
Former PM Berisha “willing” to testify at Special Court on corruption charges
The special court summoned Sali Berisha to a hearing today at 2:00 p.m. to inform him of the accusation and the security measure against him. But Berisha said he will not go to court. He stated that the decision was made in violation of the constitution. Former Prime Minister Sali …
Igor Kokunov appears before Shkodra court after arrest
Court hearing against Igor Kokunov, the 59-year-old arrested at the Muriqani border point, wanted by the Russian International Interpol is being held this Tuesday in Shkodra. According to the local media, strict security measures have been taken due to information that Belgrade gangs may intervene for his release. On his …
Five young drug dealers, over 160 cannabis doses seized in Tirana
Five people have been arrested by the police after selling drugs near schools in the capital. Following the investigations within the “Temple” operation, the police have provided information that these people were selling cannabis narcotics near schools in different areas of Tirana. The persons in question, two 19-year-olds, one 18-year-old, …
Accused for corruption/ Berisha refuses the trial, sends the lawyers
Sali Berisha decided not to appear at the session at the GJKKO premises, at 14:00, where he was to be questioned regarding the privatization of the former “Partizani” complex, for which he is accused of passive corruption and money laundering. However, Berisha has sent his lawyers Genc Gjokutaj and Sokol …
NBI, police in action to arrest notorious murderer in Elbasan
Numerous police forces assisted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have carried out an action this Tuesday morning, for the capture of the person wanted for a murder order, Suel Çela. Police forces landed at the agro-food market and at the latter’s house for checks. It is …
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. 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
Democratic Party leader and former President Sali Berisha injured during clashes. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in Tirana, which ended in violent clashes between protesters and police, exposed not only rising anger against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also a broader crisis of …
Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – The United States has moved to dismantle a cyber network linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, seizing four domains used for hacking operations, disinformation campaigns and threats, in a case that places Albania at the center of a broader geopolitical confrontation. The U.S. Department of …
Parliament’s decision to label Tehran a state sponsor of terrorism formalizes a break years in the making and reflects a broad Albanian consensus that Iran has become a direct security threat Tirana Times, March 18, 2026 – Albania has taken one of its toughest political steps yet against Iran, with …
TIRANA TIMES, March 19, 2026 – The European Union’s enlargement debate has entered a new and unusually sensitive phase. What initially appeared to be a Brussels-driven discussion about how to accelerate Ukraine’s accession has quickly evolved into a broader political reckoning inside key member states over the future shape, pace, …
Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here
by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …