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Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

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French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

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Clear weather across Albania on Monday

TIRANA, June 15 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts stable weather conditions across Albania on Monday. The service expects clear skies throughout the country. However, a few temporary clouds may appear over high mountainous areas from midday into the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the west at an average …

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Agriculture, Interior ministers announce new investments for food safety and border trade

TIRANA, June 15 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari visited the Qafë-Thana border point to North Macedonia. Representatives from the State Police, Customs and the National Food Authority joined the visit. The officials discussed stronger food safety controls and closer institutional coordination at …

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Albania’s Medieval Icons Go on Display in France

The exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korçë” has opened in the French city of Chambéry, marking one of the most significant events of Albanian cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Announcing the event, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhja said that French audiences …

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PM Rama: Sazan not for sale, no approved construction project in Zvërnec

TIRANA, June 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sazan Island remains state property and is not for sale. He made the statement in a social media post addressing public debate over planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. Rama said the state plans to participate in the Sazan tourism project …

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Travelers must declare amounts exceeding 10,000 euros at border crossing points

TIRANA, June 15 – Travelers entering or leaving Albania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, precious stones, valuables or antiques worth more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies. The measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent money laundering and the illegal transport of high-value items. Travelers …

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June Brings High Tourist Influx to Shkodër

The city of Shkodër experiences a strong influx of foreign tourists during June, becoming one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Tourists walk through the city’s historic center and fill its characteristic streets. They visit the pedestrian area, museums, the castle, and the lakeside promenade as the city …

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PM Rama reshuffles Socialist Party regional leadership, names Ervin Demo and Albana Koçiu to lead Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced changes to the Socialist Party’s regional leadership at a meeting of its National Assembly taking place this Saturday in Lalzi Bay. Under the reshuffle, Ervin Demo and Albana Koçiu will jointly lead the party’s operations in Tirana. The changes come as the Socialist Party prepares …

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PM Rama says European Commission made ‘historic’ recommendation for Albania to begin EU accession treaty preparations in 2027

Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed the European Commission’s latest enlargement report, describing its recommendation for Albania as historic. Rama said the report contained a passage that, in his view, had received too little attention given its significance for Albania’s European integration. He was …

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PM Rama on protests: ‘They threw stones and Molotov cocktails. Now it’s our turn to speak to citizens in every neighbourhood and village’

Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the protests that have taken place across Albania in recent weeks, saying demonstrators had thrown stones and Molotov cocktails. He said the Socialist Party would step up its efforts to engage with citizens. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said the opposition …

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PM Rama says 60% of media content is against the government, accuses TV channels of glorifying violence and proposes national debate

Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to criticism of media freedom in Albania, claiming that government critics are widely represented in the Albanian media and that Albania stands apart from other countries when it comes to freedom of expression. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said 60% of the …

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Berisha: Never has an EU report been more critical—there is simply no perspective left under Rama

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha spoke today during an online discussion with supporters. He addressed Prime Minister Rama’s speech at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, as well as recent developments—specifically the European Commission’s report and the decision against holding the 2027 NATO summit in Tirana, …

News
Rama: VAT cut on basic groceries, powered by economic growth

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama stated today that the new fiscal package is not the result of an ideological shift to the left, but rather a direct outcome of the country’s economic growth, which has made previously unaffordable measures possible. Addressing the Socialist Party Assembly, Rama …

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PM Rama rejects claims government is silencing critics, says Albania fully backs independent justice system

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that preparations for Albania’s European Union accession treaty were a major political indication of the country’s direction, rejecting claims that the government was suppressing critics or undermining judicial independence. Addressing the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama described the …

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PM Rama: No other country glorifies violence, national debate to address challenges

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday a national debate would be held soon to discuss both the progress Albania has made and the many challenges facing the country and its people. Speaking at the assembly, Rama said Albania was now closer …

News
PM Rama says neither he nor Socialist Party defend ex-Deputy PM amid media storm

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that neither he nor the ruling Socialist Party acted as lawyers for anyone, following “the media storm” over his comments on former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said relations between …

News
PM Rama: New legal package on pre-trial detention under consultation

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that a new legal package on pre-trial detention was under consultation, describing Albania’s detention practices as the most excessive in Europe. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said Albania had twice as many …

News

PM Rama reshuffles Socialist Party regional leadership, names Ervin Demo and Albana Koçiu to lead Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced changes to the Socialist Party’s regional leadership at a meeting of its National Assembly taking place this Saturday in Lalzi Bay. Under the reshuffle, Ervin Demo and Albana Koçiu will jointly lead the party’s operations in Tirana. The changes come as the Socialist Party prepares …

News

PM Rama says European Commission made ‘historic’ recommendation for Albania to begin EU accession treaty preparations in 2027

Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed the European Commission’s latest enlargement report, describing its recommendation for Albania as historic. Rama said the report contained a passage that, in his view, had received too little attention given its significance for Albania’s European integration. He was …

News

PM Rama on protests: ‘They threw stones and Molotov cocktails. Now it’s our turn to speak to citizens in every neighbourhood and village’

Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the protests that have taken place across Albania in recent weeks, saying demonstrators had thrown stones and Molotov cocktails. He said the Socialist Party would step up its efforts to engage with citizens. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said the opposition …

News

PM Rama says 60% of media content is against the government, accuses TV channels of glorifying violence and proposes national debate

Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to criticism of media freedom in Albania, claiming that government critics are widely represented in the Albanian media and that Albania stands apart from other countries when it comes to freedom of expression. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said 60% of the …

News

Berisha: Never has an EU report been more critical—there is simply no perspective left under Rama

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha spoke today during an online discussion with supporters. He addressed Prime Minister Rama’s speech at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, as well as recent developments—specifically the European Commission’s report and the decision against holding the 2027 NATO summit in Tirana, …

News

Rama: VAT cut on basic groceries, powered by economic growth

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama stated today that the new fiscal package is not the result of an ideological shift to the left, but rather a direct outcome of the country’s economic growth, which has made previously unaffordable measures possible. Addressing the Socialist Party Assembly, Rama …

News

PM Rama rejects claims government is silencing critics, says Albania fully backs independent justice system

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that preparations for Albania’s European Union accession treaty were a major political indication of the country’s direction, rejecting claims that the government was suppressing critics or undermining judicial independence. Addressing the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama described the …

News

PM Rama: No other country glorifies violence, national debate to address challenges

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday a national debate would be held soon to discuss both the progress Albania has made and the many challenges facing the country and its people. Speaking at the assembly, Rama said Albania was now closer …

News

PM Rama says neither he nor Socialist Party defend ex-Deputy PM amid media storm

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that neither he nor the ruling Socialist Party acted as lawyers for anyone, following “the media storm” over his comments on former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said relations between …

News

PM Rama: New legal package on pre-trial detention under consultation

TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that a new legal package on pre-trial detention was under consultation, describing Albania’s detention practices as the most excessive in Europe. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said Albania had twice as many …