An apartment in Tirana engulfed in flames
An apartment on the 9th floor of a building was engulfed in flames. The incident took place on “Sali Butka” street in the capital, around 2:20 p.m. According to previous information, it is learned that the fire broke out on the balcony of the apartment, on the top floor of …
Over 110 arrest warrants issued in huge Tirana anti-drugs operation
An anti-drug operation is being carried out by the Tirana police, the Anti-Drug sector, under the direction of the capital’s prosecutor’s office, to target drug dealers. According to the local media, so far a total of 112 arrest warrants have been issued, while more than 70 people have been escorted …
Inmate dies due to cardiorespiratory arrest in Tirana’s hospital
A convict died in hospital this Thursday from cardiorespiratory arrest. It is learned that 62-year-old Islam Binjaku, sentenced to 10 years in prison for drugs, was in intensive care since August 31. Forensic experts and the police are following the legal procedures. Forensic experts, as well as SHKBB judicial police …
Mega drugs operation leads to over 200 arrests Albania-wide
A major national anti-drug operation has been carried out by land and air in Tirana and all of Albania this Thursday, leading to over 200 arrests. Local media reported that the helicopters also flew over the terraces of the buildings in Tirana, while dozens of “strong” houses in the neighborhoods …
DNA reference laboratory inaugurated for fight on crime
Interior Minister, Taulant Balla and the Minister of Immigration in the United Kingdom, Robert Jenrick participated in the opening ceremony of the DNA Reference Laboratory at the Scientific Police Institute, which will help in the fight against organized crime in Albania, but also in the United Kingdom. Genetic profiles of …
Elbasan incinerator session postponed due to defendants’ absence
Postponement of the court session for the Elbasan incinerator has been decided again this Thursday. Based on the information at hand, the court has decided that the hearing will take place on September 21 at 09:30. According to the information, the reason for the postponement of the session was the …
Government reshuffles voted in parliament
The Assembly of Albania voted today in the plenary session for the appointment of two new ministers, Ervin Mete and Delina Ibrahimaj. Ervin Mete was appointed head of Finance and Economy with 74 votes in favor and 30 against. Meanwhile, Delina Ibrahimaj was dismissed with 105 votes in favor from …
Elbasan policeman among arrested in huge drugs operation
An anti-drug operation, for which the investigation started months ago, has been extended to several cities in the country, this Thursday including Elbasan. According to the Elbasan Police, among those arrested in Elbasan is also a police officer, Saimir Hysa. He was aware of the criminal activity and is charged …
Census of Population and Housing/ Rama: An important process, it will be done according to European standards
The Population and Housing Census is expected to start on September 18. Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the opening conference, emphasized that this is an important initiative. While describing it as an ‘exercise’ difficult to carry out, the head of the government said that it will be done according …
Rama: Albania, advanced European legislation for minorities
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking about the new population and housing census, said that he is proud of the fact that our country has integrated minorities. He emphasized that Albania has the most advanced European legislation regarding minorities and that no one can lecture him on this matter. “I am very …
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
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 …