Q&A: Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán on the war in Ukraine, international cooperation and the economy
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke to the Kossuth Radio programme “Good Morning Hungary” on March 31, 2023. Zsolt Törőcsik: Soon all the Western tanks promised to Ukraine will arrive in that war-torn country. Several countries have already offered fighter planes, and the British have sent munitions containing depleted uranium – …
Strengthening democratic institutions a U.S. priority, says nominee for U.S. ambassador to Albania, David J. Kostelancik
TIRANA, April 2, 2023 – Strengthening democratic institutions in Albania is a U.S. priority, says David J. Kostelancik, a career diplomat appointed by President Biden to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Albania. He made the comments in his remarks in front of the Committee on Foreign Relations in …
Albania voices support for Thaci as trial starts in The Hague
TIRANA, April 3, 2023 – Albania has voiced support for Kosovo’s former president Hashim Thaci and three other ex-leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), whose trial started on Monday in The Hague on alleged war crimes. All of the defendants firmly deny the accusations and formally entered not-guilty pleas …
Rama introduces salary increase to PM’s office employees
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a meeting with the employees of the Prime Minister’s Office, communicated the salary increase. He stated that such an increase should have been made a long time ago, but the conditions have caused it to be delayed. “It’s been so many years that we work …
DP’s candidate for local elections in Kruja withdraws
Another Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the May 14 elections has withdrawn from the race. It is about the candidate of the municipality of Krujë, Sabah Sheta, who announced his decision through a post on Facebook. With the withdrawal from the race, Sabah Sheta brings to 6 the number of …
Albania’s economy increased 4.84% in 2022
Economic growth in Albania for 2022 was 4.84%. This is what the Minister of Finance and Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, said this Friday during a press conference. Ibrahimaj noted that growth has mainly been registered in the construction and tourism sectors. According to her, the reconstruction process is continuing at a …
Govt still discussing fiscal amnesty with internationals
Minister of Finance and Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, stated that the government is still working on the fiscal amnesty draft. In a press conference, Ibrahimaj said that it is important that this draft be consulted with international partners. According to her, this is in order to avoid hasty actions, which may …
Albania, Bulgaria sign agreement on social insurance
Albania and Bulgaria have signed an agreement on social insurance, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced through a post on social networks. The head of the government says that this step is another success for the recognition of social insurance for Albanians abroad. “The Agreement on Social Insurance between Albania and …
Vlora, two arrested for hitting brother-in-law with car
Two brothers have been declared wanted by the Vlora police after allegedly hitting their brother-in-law with a vehicle. The incident happened on Thursday due to a family conflict. As a result, the 38-year-old with the initials A.M., who is currently in the hospital under the care of doctors, was injured. …
Report Warns of Challenges in Western Balkans’ Energy Transition
New report from Global Energy Monitor and Bankwatch Monitor says EU and US-backed plans to reduce the dependence of the Western Balkans on Russian gas could make the region’s energy transition ‘even harder’. Original post Here
Balkan members of the Catholic Church have praised “broad-minded, spontaneous” Pope Leo XIV for his education, experience and openness. Original post Here
Tirana Times, May 8,– On May 11, 2025, Albania will hold its tenth parliamentary elections since the fall of communism in 1991 – a moment expected to be decisive not only for the political fate of the main parties but also for the democratic future and European orientation of the …
The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here
The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here
Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here
In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here
TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …
President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …
Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …
The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to the underworld among Albania’s so-called strategic investors must be examined in a broader context. Politically, this phenomenon represents one of the clearest signs of the symbiosis between crime and politics — and of the state being effectively captured by organized …