Central bank assures public that deposits are safe and payments continue normally
The Bank of Albania said citizens’ deposits and savings remain safe despite damage to some bank branches and ATMs during recent youth protests. It also confirmed that payment services continue to operate normally. In a public statement, the central bank said it was closely monitoring recent developments. It stressed that …
Albania marks 126th anniversary of national poet Naim Frashëri’s passing
Albania marks October 20 the 126th anniversary of the death of Naim Frashëri, a leading figure of the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s national poet. Frashëri was born on May 25, 1846, in Frashër, Përmet. His literary work focused on the Albanian language, national identity, freedom and unity. His …
Seven Albanian Companies Showcase Olive Oil and Medicinal Herbs at SIAL Paris 2026
Seven Albanian companies are showcasing olive oil and medicinal and aromatic plants at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s largest food fairs. The event runs from October 17 to 21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre. The companies are exhibiting at the Albanian Pavilion in Hall 4, Stand …
Haxhiu denies Kosova’s Self-Determination Movement called on its supporters to join Tirana protests
Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu, who belongs to the Self-Determination Movement, denied that her party had called on its supporters to join the protests in Tirana. She said the party could not be held responsible for its supporters’ individual decisions. Haxhiu stressed that public support for the movement did not …
Health Minister Spahiu stresses shared responsibility for protection of minors
Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu stressed the need to protect minors during a visit to the University Trauma Hospital. She urged parents, guardians, social workers and other professionals to listen to minors and address their concerns. Spahiu said minors had the right to express their views but also needed adult care …
National Opera and Ballet Theatre Postpones Performances
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble has announced the postponement of all performances scheduled for this week. The theatre said all previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. It will announce the new dates at a later time. The decision follows recent events in …
Media Agency director says dialogue with PM Rama remains open to all
Manjola Hasa, director general of the Media and Information Agency, went to the Prime Minister’s Office during a lecturers’ protest today. She reiterated Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation to hold talks with protesters. Hasa said students, young people and citizens who wished to speak with the prime minister were welcome. …
Rama Places Chairs Bearing the Word “Dialogue” Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
Shortly before the start of the student and youth protest in Tirana, now in its eighth day, several red, spherical-shaped chairs were placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday morning. A video shows Prime Minister Edi Rama placing pieces of paper bearing the word “Dialogue” on the chairs. Meanwhile, …
PM Rama: Anyone Who Wants Dialogue, the Government and I Are Ready!
After placing chairs bearing the word “Dialogue” outside the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a message to protesters, saying he is ready to engage in dialogue with anyone, without preconditions. “Anyone who wants dialogue, wherever they want, whenever they want, even here if they wish, the government …
“This Is Hybrid Warfare” – Rama Reports Around 200 Police Officers Injured Compared to Just 80 Protesters
Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the violent incidents during recent protests as part of a well-organized hybrid warfare campaign orchestrated by foreign actors. Analyzing the number of injuries on both sides, the prime minister stressed that around 200 police officers have been injured, compared to 80 protesters. “This is …
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja has highlighted 3 young athletes who are challenging gender stereotypes in sport. Their dedication and daily sacrifices show that talent and success have no gender, he said. Gonxhja shared the stories of footballer Amarda Xhebrahimi, sport shooter Sindi Sula and wrestler Albina Drazhi …
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania has urged the government to reconsider tax increases proposed in the 2027 fiscal package. It warned that the changes could raise business costs, discourage investment and weaken the country’s competitiveness. The chamber said higher dividend tax, standard value-added tax and some reduced rates, …
The 2027 draft budget allocates ALL 75.4 billion to infrastructure and energy, equivalent to 2.5% of gross domestic product. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the figures at the Conference of Chairpersons. The funding will support transport, railway and port projects, as well as drinking water and sewage systems. Planned water …
The Transparency Board has announced new maximum prices for diesel and petrol. The limits took effect at 15:00 on October 29. Retailers may charge no more than ALL 212 per litre for diesel. The wholesale cap stands at ALL 200 per litre. For petrol, the retail ceiling is ALL 181 …
Kosova President Justina Shiroka Pula met United States chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati in Prishtina. Prattipati congratulated the president on taking office. Shiroka Pula thanked her for the message. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening relations and the strategic partnership between Kosova and the United States. The president also stressed the …
The Albanian Parliament has approved amendments to the Law on the Bank of Albania with 84 votes in favor. The changes provide special legal protections for the governor, restricting the possibility of taking measures against the governor without parliamentary authorization. Under the amendments adopted during Thursday’s plenary session, the governor …
The Albanian Parliament’s plenary session resumed amid tensions after opposition MPs lit flares inside the chamber, blocked the parliamentary rostrum and blew whistles. Following the disruption, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi decided to expel four opposition MPs from the plenary session: Xhelal Mziu, Bledi Himçi, Ivi Kaso and Bledion Nallbati. …
Students have begun marching from Parliament towards the Ministry of Education, continuing their protests for the 17th consecutive day as they demand the unconditional resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. A day earlier, students had announced a demonstration outside Parliament to coincide with the start of the plenary session. However, …
The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has received 12 new Mercedes-Benz Unimog 5T military trucks, adding to its military fleet alongside eight Rheinmetall KX 8×8 trucks that arrived several days earlier. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that the total number of trucks in these two categories has …