Neevis Hasani Wins Bronze at World Karate Championships in Poland
Albanian karate athlete Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, securing a place among the world’s top three junior athletes in the under-55kg category. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the achievement, praising Hasani’s performance on the international stage. Hasani secured …
Rama: Protests Are a Right, but Violence Is a Crime
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that citizens have the right to protest but must not resort to violence, as demonstrations continued in the capital in recent days. In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from protests across Europe and urged citizens not to fall for what …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the state budget has exceeded €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history. He made the announcement in a message on economic performance and addressed students as well. The government has submitted the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Rama …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has brought together national stakeholders to explore new opportunities for regional cooperation and financing. The meeting also marked the first thematic workshop under the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Stakeholders Engagement Point (StEP) project. Representatives of public institutions, development …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to reduce the price of diesel by 32 Albanian Lek (ALL) per litre by removing the circulation tax from fuel. Under the proposed changes, the government would shift the tax to vehicles and collect it through the relevant road transport directorate. The measure …
The European Union has told Serbia’s incoming government, which will be formed following the elections, that it is expected to engage constructively in the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations with Kosovo, including implementing all agreements reached so far. An EU spokesperson made the statement, stressing that the outcome of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic train crash in Spain, where at least 68 people lost their lives following a collision between two high-speed trains. In a message posted on social media platform X, Begaj expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Spanish …
The foreign policy programme of Serbia’s student movement, which won the parliamentary elections and removed Aleksandar Vučić from power, could fuel new tensions in the Balkans, particularly over Kosovo. This is the assessment of German journalist Michael Martens in an analysis published by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). According to Martens, …
The Albanian government has approved a normative act introducing a state compensation scheme for businesses affected by violent protests held between October 13 and 22, 2026. Under the new measures, businesses with an annual turnover of up to 14 million Albanian lek, based on their 2025 tax declarations, will be …
The Albanian government has approved a new legislative package aimed at preventing violence during public protests, introducing tougher fines, temporary restrictions on gatherings and additional police powers. Under the new measures, participation in a prohibited assembly and concealing one’s identity during protests may result in fines ranging from 10,000 to …
The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations. The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve …
Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law today to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill concerns amendments adopted on May 30, 2025, to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, originally signed in 1982. The amendments aim to bring national …