Government reshuffles voted in parliament
The Assembly of Albania voted today in the plenary session for the appointment of two new ministers, Ervin Mete and Delina Ibrahimaj. Ervin Mete was appointed head of Finance and Economy with 74 votes in favor and 30 against. Meanwhile, Delina Ibrahimaj was dismissed with 105 votes in favor from …
Elbasan policeman among arrested in huge drugs operation
An anti-drug operation, for which the investigation started months ago, has been extended to several cities in the country, this Thursday including Elbasan. According to the Elbasan Police, among those arrested in Elbasan is also a police officer, Saimir Hysa. He was aware of the criminal activity and is charged …
Census of Population and Housing/ Rama: An important process, it will be done according to European standards
The Population and Housing Census is expected to start on September 18. Prime Minister Edi Rama, present at the opening conference, emphasized that this is an important initiative. While describing it as an ‘exercise’ difficult to carry out, the head of the government said that it will be done according …
Rama: Albania, advanced European legislation for minorities
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking about the new population and housing census, said that he is proud of the fact that our country has integrated minorities. He emphasized that Albania has the most advanced European legislation regarding minorities and that no one can lecture him on this matter. “I am very …
Soreca considers Albania’s census as ‘important to EU path’
Chargé d’affaires of the diplomatic corps of the EU in Albania, former ambassador Luigi Soreca, declared this Wednesday to the media that he feels privileged to have returned to the country. During the conference together with the head of the government, about the census and registration of housing, Soreca said …
Woman involved in ex-Kukes mayor’s sex scandal left in house arrest
Special Court against Corruption (GJKKO) has rejected this Wednesday the request for a milder security measure against Alma Kaçi. The 40-year-old woman who was involved in the sexual scandal with the former mayor of Kukes, Safet Gjici, was requesting a change in measure from “house arrest” to mandatory appearance, but …
Çuçi: Parliament has an important role in Albania’s negotiations with the EU
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party, Bledi Çuçi, this Wednesday in a press conference gave details about the priorities they have in the new parliamentary session. In his speech, Çuçi stated that Integration remains the main priority of the Socialist Party this parliamentary session, where he …
The average salary increases, unemployment decreases
Despite the problems, the labor market has continued to show positive progress. INSTAT statistics show that salaries have followed the upward trend, influenced especially by the government’s decision to change the level of salaries in the administration. Compared to the same quarter last year, the average gross salary for the …
The Prosecutor’s Office of Tirana eased the charges against Rraja
The Prosecutor’s Office of Tirana changed the charge against members of the Rraja tribe in relation to the violence against the cousins Bilbil and Jashar Maja because the medical-legal expertise determined that the injuries sustained are classified as light and without consequences for life. The serious event took place at …
Singer denies intention to distribute after getting caught with drug
Famous singer Ruenca Haxhiaj, known by the stage name Enca, has been arrested by the police for cultivating narcotic plants. Following arrest, the singer said that she is a user and has it for personal use. On the porch of her apartment on the outskirts of the capital, 5 pots …
As Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community marches under the slogan “Together for Family,” activists say the real threat to family and society is not diversity, but hatred, exclusion and fear. Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community held its annual Pride march in Tirana on May 23, turning the capital’s …
A Q&A with Gallery Kalo founder Përparim Kalo on art, cultural heritage and the gallery’s expanding vision along the Vjosa Valley. Introduction Gallery Kalo is more than an exhibition space. It is a cultural meeting point where art, memory, dialogue and contemporary creativity come together. Founded with the vision of …
For Albania, the real issue is not which accession model Europe chooses, but whether democracy, rule of law, and state integrity can still be restored. By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Europe’s enlargement debate has entered a new phase and Albania should pay attention.On May 18, German …
Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his official visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Rama with a state ceremony in Tokyo. Rama shared moments from the visit on social media. He thanked Japan for the warm reception. He said the state ceremony showed respect for a transformed Albania …
Renowned Albanian actor Birçe Hasko has died at the age of 84. Hasko was born in Dukat, Vlora, on March 15, 1942. After finishing high school, he worked as a teacher in Memaliaj. He also joined the city’s amateur theater troupe. In 1965, he started acting studies at the Higher …
One of the latest developments attracting attention in Albanian business circles involves Atlas Corporation. Without major public attention, the ATLAS Group has finalized the acquisition of Edil Centro, a move that is being seen as another signal of the growing strength of Albanian companies to invest in and further develop …
The Emergency Intervention Fund has reached 8.2 billion lek (around 85 million euros) after annual contributions from commercial banks for 2026. The Bank of Albania said the fund was created in 2018. It aims to support the resolution of banks that face financial difficulties in the future. At the same …
Museum Week 2026 has transformed one of the capital’s top attractions. History, contemporary art, and music met at the Mosaic of Tirana. The site hosted the “Beautiful Minds of Albania” 2026 event. Blendi Gonxhja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, shared details about the gathering. The organizers presented innovative …
Albania is entering a new phase in its European Union membership talks. The 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference will take place in Brussels on May 26, 2026. This meeting opens the path to the closing phase of EU accession negotiations. The Media and Information Agency announced the news today. The EU’s …
The Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, hosted the non-resident Ambassador of Canada to Albania, Elissa Golberg, today. During the meeting, the pair discussed the importance of bilateral cooperation. They also focused on strengthening independent institutions in Albania. Shabani outlined the current priorities of the Ombudsman’s office. He emphasized protecting human rights, increasing …