Albania’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Faces Corruption Charges After Months of Political Protection
The expanded case against Belinda Balluku puts the government’s defence of senior officials—and Parliament’s refusal to authorize her arrest—under renewed scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution, SPAK, on Tuesday communicated final charges against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, including corruption, money laundering, asset concealment …
Albanian PM Rama Steps Up Rhetoric Against Student Protesters
Edi Rama described some of the student protesters involved in unrest in Tirana as extremists who have been manipulated by foreign powers, causing critics to warn that such harsh rhetoric may further inflame tensions. Original post Here
PM Rama: Stone marks boundary between right to protest and state authority
Prime Minister Edi Rama said student protests were being used to conceal acts of violence. He stressed that the problem was not students or citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, but violent acts. Rama spoke during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Minister Mirela Kumbaro and Tirana …
Education minister Kumbaro announces psychological support for children affected by unrest
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said a team of psychologists would support children and families affected by violent protests. She made the announcement during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana high school principals. Kumbaro thanked school leaders for maintaining parents’ trust. She said …
Clear skies across Albania on Tuesday
Albania will have clear skies throughout Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Dry and stable westerly air masses will bring settled weather across the country throughout the day. Winds will blow from the southwest to southeast at an average speed of 6 metres per second. Along the coast, gusts …
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 …
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that demonstrations could escalate into violence and disrupt traffic and public services. In an official security alert, the embassy said protests continue in central Tirana and near government institutions. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has warned that society risks normalising violence and turning it into a tool for settling disputes with teachers, university lecturers and public institutions. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama called for a joint …
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has called for stronger regional cooperation to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and access new markets. She made the statement at the fourth edition of the regional conference “SHE RISES”, held in Pristina, Kosovo. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, government …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a broader approach to addressing violence involving minors, stressing that punishment alone cannot solve the problem. He said authorities must also support vulnerable children and their families and help young people reintegrate into society. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a national debate on restricting minors’ access to social media, including whether the minimum age should be 16 or 18. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama said the growing influence …
Albanian singer Evi Reçi and virtual artist Bora Faira have won the “Best Human–AI Collaboration” award at the World AI Music Festival in Cannes, marking an international achievement for Albanian music. The festival announced the award during its October 2026 edition, recognising the project “Nata Sonte” for bringing together human …
The United States Embassy in Tirana has issued an official statement regarding the ongoing protests in Albania, as well as those expected on Saturday, warning of the risk of escalation into violence. The Embassy emphasized that some demonstrations have turned violent, involving the use of incendiary devices, stone-throwing, and property …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will begin consultations with parents and teachers on restricting minors’ access to social media. Authorities are considering whether the age limit should be set at 16 or 18, with the aim of preventing children from having individual accounts on these platforms. …
During his speech this afternoon, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that, starting next year, children will remain at school until 5:00 PM. The measure will help working parents, while children will take part in cultural and sports activities that will also contribute to their social development. “Another important task is …
The European Commission has responded to recent amendments to the draft law on the Bank of Albania, specifically Article 72, which provides legal protection for the Governor of the Bank of Albania in the exercise of official duties. In response to a question from Euronews Albania journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, a …