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 …
Protests, Rama: €2,500 for every frontline police officer and salary increases from January 1
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials following last night’s violent protest. During the meeting, Rama condemned attacks on police officers and announced significant salary increases for police personnel starting January 1, as well as financial support of €2,500 for …
European Parliament reacts to protests in Tirana: We condemn the escalation. Serious concerns over police violence against young people
The Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, Marco Tarquinio, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, have expressed concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. In a joint statement, they condemned violence, attacks on institutions and the destruction of property, while calling …
Rama reiterates call for dialogue: You are welcome, whenever and wherever you want, without conditions. We are ready!
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to distance themselves from acts of violence, stone-throwing and arson attacks against institutions. Rama stressed that the government is ready to hold talks at any time and without preconditions, while calling on protest organisers to set …
Ervin Demo: The right to protest is guaranteed, violence cannot be justified and offenders will be held accountable under the law
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has once again responded to the protests of recent days, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and that the State Police have a duty to ensure demonstrations take place peacefully. Demo emphasised that police intervention will only take place when necessary …
Albania plans to return to international financial markets in 2027 with the issuance of a new Eurobond. The planned amount is approximately €690 million, which would make it the largest borrowing of this kind ever undertaken by the country. According to the draft 2027 budget, the Eurobond issuance will amount …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed Vlera Gjakova as his media adviser. Gjakova is originally from North Macedonia but has spent a significant part of her life in Kosovo, where she has also been involved in politics. Eight years ago, she joined Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Movement, and in the 2019 …
Two separate protests took place in Tirana on Saturday. Students, lecturers and citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Education for the 19th consecutive day, demanding political change, the prime minister’s resignation and better living and education conditions. Meanwhile, the main opposition party held a rally outside the Prime Minister’s Office. …
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 …