Police Bonuses, Vengu: Teachers, Military Personnel, Doctors and Firefighters Should Also Be at the Top of the Pay Scale
Socialist MP Pirro Vengu has reacted to the government’s decision to award bonuses to State Police officers who have been on the front lines of student protests for several days. Vengu linked salary increases and bonuses to the need to prioritize professions that contribute to the functioning of the state …
Orthodox Church Reacts to Incident in Tirana Cathedral Courtyard: Distance Yourselves from Violence
The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has reacted following an incident in the courtyard of the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana during an afternoon protest in the capital. In an official statement, the Church expressed concern over the incident, stressing that places of worship should not become sites of …
Student Protests: Government Allocates 740 Million Lek in Bonuses for Police Officers
The decision comes after six days of protests and clashes in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed his support for State Police officers, while the government has approved funding for their bonuses. Amid ongoing protests in Tirana, the government approved a fund of 740 million and 80,000 lek …
Student Protests: Swiss Embassy in Tirana Calls on All Sides to De-escalate Tensions
The Swiss Embassy in Tirana has issued a statement regarding the student protests that have continued for seven days in the Albanian capital. In its statement, the embassy called on all sides to de-escalate tensions and engage in constructive dialogue. “Switzerland is concerned about the recent outbreak of violence and …
Rama to Meet Socialist Party Parliamentary Group Tomorrow, Measures Against Violent Protesters Expected to Be Announced
The Socialist Party’s parliamentary group will meet tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the Parliament’s headquarters. Prime Minister Edi Rama will also attend the meeting. According to Euronews Albania journalist Eksiola Shehu, measures targeting individuals who engage in acts of violence during the student protests are also expected to be announced …
Albania’s Revolt Against the Government
The prime minister accuses Russia and Iran of fueling protests as allegations of state capture, police violence and dissent from Socialist figures deepen Albania’s political crisis. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Parts of central Tirana have taken on the appearance of a conflict zone: burning debris, damaged buildings and …
Albania’s Defence Tax Breaks Raise State Capture Concerns
Proposed fiscal concessions would benefit private partners of the state defence company KAYO as an arms-trafficking investigation puts the sector under scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Albania’s government is proposing additional tax privileges for the defence industry while the state company at the centre of its expansion, KAYO, …
“Citizens must be patient,” Rama reacts again to protests: I am ready for dialogue with anyone except those engaging in violence
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past seven days. In a post on his Facebook page, Rama reiterated that he is ready for dialogue with anyone, “except those engaging in violence and political parties that fail …
Protests, Rama: €2,500 for every frontline police officer and salary increases from January 1
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials following last night’s violent protest. During the meeting, Rama condemned attacks on police officers and announced significant salary increases for police personnel starting January 1, as well as financial support of €2,500 for …
European Parliament reacts to protests in Tirana: We condemn the escalation. Serious concerns over police violence against young people
The Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, Marco Tarquinio, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, have expressed concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. In a joint statement, they condemned violence, attacks on institutions and the destruction of property, while calling …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has highlighted the tourism and economic potential of Gjinar, in the Elbasan region, describing the Mountain Package as a key opportunity to attract investment, create new businesses and increase visitor numbers. Koçiu stressed that Gjinar’s natural beauty provides a strong foundation for tourism. However, local …
Women in Vlora have joined the Pink October campaign, urging women and girls to prioritize breast health and get regular screenings. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared messages from 14 women working in the arts, sports, journalism, local government and other fields. They called for greater awareness and stressed that early …
Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination Genta Tafa met with UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald on Monday to discuss equality, human rights and stronger safeguards against discrimination. The meeting focused on cooperation between institutions to promote equal treatment and prevent discrimination. Both officials exchanged views on shared priorities and …
Albania’s National Investment Scheme is opening new opportunities for farmers, agro-processors and agrotourism businesses by supporting investment and improving efficiency across the agricultural sector. Through grants from the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), farmers can purchase agricultural machinery to streamline their work and improve productivity. Prime Minister Edi …
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a cooperation agreement today with Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan. The agreement aims to connect academic knowledge with the needs of agriculture and rural development. Agriculture Minister Andis Salla and university rector Prof. Dr. Elvora Fetahu signed the agreement. Salla said the …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi announced progress on the Kombinat–Ndroq–Plepa road, a southern alternative route from Tirana towards Durrës and the coast. The Albanian Road Authority has completed the first 5-kilometre section to Peza and formally taken it over. It has also finalised the contract for the next 9 …
Korça welcomes the 13th International Short Film Festival for five nights of screenings at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery. The programme features 100 films from around the world, covering diverse themes and perspectives. It also includes three programmes for children. Festival director Gledis Bica said this year’s new …
The Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence reviewed proposed amendments to the law on managing seized and confiscated assets. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia presented the bill. The amendments would extend management rules to assets seized or confiscated by central and local government bodies, including illegal buildings. They would …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on Tuesday that he had requested answers from the responsible institutions regarding the murder of Arlinda Zekaj in Peja. Kurti emphasized that he had given the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice 54 hours to complete a report aimed at identifying …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has invited representatives of parliamentary groups to consultations on October 30 regarding the date of the 2027 local elections, according to sources from the Presidency. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for consultations with parliamentary groups before the date of the upcoming …