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Rama is Turning Deputy’s Suspension Into ‘Personal Battle’ Against Albanian Judiciary

Proposed legal amendments preventing courts from suspending senior officials would be a major blow to progress on tackling corruption – and to Albania’s EU accession process, writes legal expert Gentian Serjani. Original post Here

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Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe

Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability can be fierce. Original post Here

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Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens

Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …

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Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity

Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 2026

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

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Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use

Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …

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Shielding Power from Justice

How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …

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Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect

An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here

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Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci

MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here

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Tourists from around the world flock to Kruja, historic town praised for hospitality and culture

TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …

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“Your roots are calling”; PM Rama shares AI-generated video ahead of Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …

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World Cup 2027: Women’s national team starts preparations for Wales matches

The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …

News
Territorial reform: State minister highlights municipality size as key factor in local performance

TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …

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First International Easter Egg Exhibition in Korçë

Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …

News
Pilgrims Gather at St. Anthony Church in Laç for Holy Tuesday

TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …

News
“Lahuta e Malcís” (Lahuta of the Mountains): Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem published 89 years ago

TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …

News
PM Rama visits new Lezha regional hospital, pledges emergency doctors’ status reform

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …

News
Arta Marku Heads the National Center for Books and Reading

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …

News
Tirana parking services go digital with new mobile app

TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …

News

Tourists from around the world flock to Kruja, historic town praised for hospitality and culture

TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …

News

“Your roots are calling”; PM Rama shares AI-generated video ahead of Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …

News

World Cup 2027: Women’s national team starts preparations for Wales matches

The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …

News

Territorial reform: State minister highlights municipality size as key factor in local performance

TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …

News

First International Easter Egg Exhibition in Korçë

Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …

News

Pilgrims Gather at St. Anthony Church in Laç for Holy Tuesday

TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …

News

“Lahuta e Malcís” (Lahuta of the Mountains): Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem published 89 years ago

TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …

News

PM Rama visits new Lezha regional hospital, pledges emergency doctors’ status reform

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …

News

Arta Marku Heads the National Center for Books and Reading

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …

News

Tirana parking services go digital with new mobile app

TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …