Deadlock hits Albanian parliament as PM avoids McGonigal affair questions
TIRANA, Feb. 2, 2023 – Albanian opposition MPs tried to block parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, vowing to set up an investigative commission, after Prime Minister Edi Rama decided to skip a questions period regarding Mr. Rama’s ties to a former high FBI official who has been arrested in the United …
Albania Opposition Demands Inquiry Into ‘Bribed’ Former FBI Official
Opposition MPs want a parliamentary investigative committee to prope claims that PM Edi Rama had a former FBI official Charles McGonigal in his pocket, and used him to smear the opposition. Original post Here
“McGonigal” in Parliament, Rama interpellation with Alibeaj on the case of FBI official
Today, there are expected to be debates in the Assembly, where the main issue is expected to be the file of the former FBI official, Charles McGonigal, and the accusations raised by the opposition against Prime Minister Edi Rama. The head of the DP Group, Enkelejd Alibeaj, has requested an …
1 dead, at least 2 critically injured after car accident in Tirana
A person is dead and at least two others are critically injured after a car accident in Tirana this Thursday morning. Police officers were notified of a reported two car head-on crash in an area commonly known as the entrance of the capital. The accident happened on “Kastriotët” street near …
Tirana taxi drivers prosecuted for concealing income
Authorities have taken legal action this Thursday against three cab drivers, who had concealed their income from transporting people with their vehicles. Following police findings, the Prosecutor’s Office started criminal proceedings against the drivers of these vehicles, specifically for the citizens, Sh. A., R. Ç. and Sh. L., for the …
McGonigal Case, democrat refuses interpellation with Minister Spiropali
Democrat MP Gazment Bardhi refused this Thursday the interpellation with Minister Elisa Spiropali, requesting the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama for the case of former FBI official, Charles McGonigal. In his speech, Bardhi said that he requested an interview with the head of the government and not with his …
PM attacks opposition after McGonigal issue tensions
Prime Minister Edi Rama has harshly assailed this Thursday the opposition’s MPs, who wanted to hold an interpellation with him in the plenary session regarding the McGonigal scandal. In a social media reaction, the head of government accused them of abusing the freedom of speech, the truth and of committing …
Bucking int’l trend, Albania’s central bank keeps key rate unchanged
TIRANA, Feb. 1, 2023 – Bank of Albania’s Supervisory Council announced Wednesday it would keep the central bank’s key interest rate unchanged at 2.75 percent. It’s the second time in a row the central bank keeps the rate unchanged, bucking the trends of major central banks in Europe and North …
Woman dies 4 days after giving birth to her Baby
A 29-year-old woman died in Tirana, 4 days after giving birth to her baby. The young woman, whose identity is still unknown, gave birth to a child of about 5 kilograms by natural birth and after 24 hours of stay in the hospital she went home. But she started having …
Japan donates firefighting equipment to Tirana
Two new fire engines were added to the new fire station in Kinostudio, as a help from the Embassy of Japan in Tirana. Mayor Erion Veliaj said that the new equipement will greatly serve the Unit 4 Fire Station, as it also covers the suburban and rural areas of the …
The sixth National Forum “Boys and Men Who Inspire” took place today in Tirana. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection described the forum as a strong platform. It promotes dialogue, reflection, and action. It supports gender equality. It also helps prevent gender-based violence. Deputy Minister Denada Seferi attended the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës. He rejected opposition claims. He called them a complete joke. The opposition said nine countries blocked Albania’s EU integration. Rama said the opposition made similar claims before. He mentioned the Peace Board. Albania later received an invitation. Albania …
The National Center of Cinematography and the National Youth Agency held the event “Turn Passion into Profession” today. Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the event. He said the initiative answers doubts about creative industries in Albania. Gonxhja said the sector contributes about 3% of GDP. It employs …
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato spoke to Euronews Albania. He said Albania’s EU integration continues normally. He rejected claims of a block. He called them speculation. Gonzato said member states hold regular discussions. They follow standard EU procedures. They conduct them confidentially. He addressed reports about countries with reservations. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …
Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …