Mayor Veliaj’s statement as Tirana prepares for halloween
Atmosphere on the eve of the Halloween holiday is already more tangible for all the fans, adults and children. In the framework of this day, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj shared this Sunday morning pictures from “ZooParkTirana” on social networks. “GOOD MORNING. From ZooParkTirana, which was buzzing with kids …
Begaj congratulates counterpart Erdogan on Turkey’s National Day
President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj sent this Sunday a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his telegram, President Begaj expressed full confidence in the excellent future …
Two arrested for possession of weed, cannabis seeds in Gjirokastra
Police of Gjirokastra have handcuffed two citizens, who kept narcotic substances and seeds in their apartment, with the intention of selling them. The arrested are Elis Ballaxhia and Daniel Hazizaj, 35 and 25 years old, both residents of Gjirokastra. During checks, the officers seized 236 grams of cocaine, 253 cannabis …
Seized assets, Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime appeal rejects former deputy PM’s request
The appeal of GJKKO (Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime) rejected the request of the former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj for the appeal made for the seized property. Arben Ahmetaj’s lawyers appealed a few months ago in the GJKKO Appeal against SPAK’s (Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized …
German MP: Immunity of MPs may be suspended by law authorities
The German MP, Gunther Krichbaum, has commented on the recent decisions of the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), where the former Prime Minister Sali Berisha is under the “compulsion to appear” measure, while his son-in-law is behind bars for the issue of the privatization of the “Partizani” …
‘Temple’ operation, another man arrested for drug trafficking
A 31-year-old man was arrested by the police after being wanted for drug trafficking. As part of the police operation “Temple”, the citizen Aneo Gashi fell behind bars. “A 31-year-old wanted as part of this mega-operation is located, captured and imprisoned. As a result of intensive investigative and procedural actions, …
SPAK seizes assets of businessman Pellumb Gjoka
The Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has seized the assets of businessman Pëllumb Gjoka, who is behind bars as part of the “Metamorfoza” operation. In the announcement of SPAK, there is talk about a number of assets, land in the area of Pulaj-Plazh, Velipojë, which appeared to …
Fier, three punished for spilling fuel waste into Gjanica river
Three people have been criminally prosecuted for the pollution of the Gjanica river, while the police announce that the three prosecuted, employees of two private companies active in the field of hydrocarbons, threw waste into the river. From the investigations, it turned out that the 2 companies where these citizens …
Why Saranda’s urban planning official got arrested
Ariel Balani, the official of the Department of Urban Planning of Saranda Municipality was arrested on Thursday evening, by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Special Prosecution released official information this Friday regarding the arrest, where it is announced that Balani has committed the criminal offense of “Exercising illegal …
Former PM Berisha’s son-in-law seeks release from prison
The lawyers of Jamarber Malltezi, the son-in-law of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, will file a request for a change of measure in the Court of Appeal. Malltezi was left in prison on Monday by the Special Court for charges of corruption and money laundering, related to the privatization of …
The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, has responded to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti following criticism directed at the Democratic Union for Integration during its time in government. Kurti had suggested that DUI governed alongside a VMRO administration that was more hostile toward Albanians. Ahmeti …
The Transparency Board has decided to raise the fuel price caps in the country. According to the decision taken during its meeting on June 2, 2026, the maximum retail price of diesel fuel must not exceed 191 lek per liter, an increase of 6 lek compared to the Board’s previous …
The historic bazaar of Gjirokastër became a unique attraction as 30 vintage cars were displayed in the city’s museum district. The classic vehicles traveled from Italy as part of a tour across Albania, making a stop in the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” The retro automobiles captured the attention of numerous tourists, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanked the latter for his direct engagement in Albania’s European integration journey since the launch of the country’s EU accession negotiations. Rama stressed that Albania has no disagreements with the European Union, only common …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …
Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …