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A modern writer of Saudi Arabian literature

The Critical Case of Patient K.  by Aziz Muhamed By Jerina Zaloshnja “Let’s take a family photo,” suggested the prominent Saudi Arabian writer Yusuf ElMuhaimid, author of two of the latest books published in Arabic by Tirana Times (“A Man Chased by Rats” and “The Journey of the Najdi Boy”). …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 22, 2025

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’s Tourist Resort Plan Trumps Triple Protection over Albanian Bay

Albania’s government has bestowed ‘strategic investor’ status to an Italian hotelier who wants to build a tourist resort in a nature reserve in southern Albania, on land rich in cultural heritage and home to a Cold War-era military base. Original post Here

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Albania’s Fourth Rama Government Approved Without Debate

TIRANA, Albania, Tirana Times, September 18,2025 — In an unprecedented scene in Albania’s 35 years of political pluralism, Parliament on Thursday approved Prime Minister Edi Rama’s new cabinet and four-year governing program within minutes and without a single debate. The session, marked by chaos, a pre-recorded appearance from a virtual …

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Cancel Parliament

What happened in Albania’s Parliament last week was more than a political skirmish. It was an assault on the very essence of parliamentarism. In a scene without precedent in the country’s 35 years of political pluralism — and arguably rare even in the wider history of parliamentary life — the …

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Cleaning Up: Albania Plans New Waste Law After Incinerator Scandals

After a series of failed waste incineration projects, a new draft law foresees the creation of a powerful state waste agency that will fine polluters – but the potential cost worries some. Original post Here

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Albanian Opposition Furious as AI ‘Minister’ Makes Parliament ‘Speech’

In a tense parliament session, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama gave the floor to the AI entity he has appointed as artificial intelligence minister, sparking an angry backlash from opposition MPs. Original post Here

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‘Enemies of the State’: Concern in Albania, EU Over PM’s Criticism of Courts

In singling out judges and prosecutors for stinging personal criticism, Albania’s Edi Rama risks further eroding the democratic separation of powers, experts say. Original post Here

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‘Enemies of the State’: Concern in Albania, EU Over PM’s Criticism of Courts

In singling out judges and prosecutors for stinging personal criticism, Albania’s Edi Rama risks further eroding the democratic separation of powers, experts say. Original post Here

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Albania’s Headline-Grabbing AI ‘Minister’ is a Risky Innovation

Without legal frameworks and safeguards, the decision to appoint an AI entity as a ‘minister’ entrusted with sensitive tasks is ambitious – but fraught with danger. Original post Here

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Author Lea Ypi Explores Albanians’ Struggles for Dignity Under Communism

Albanian philosopher and writer Lea Ypi talks to BIRN about exploring the importance of freedom and dignity through the plight of her grandparents, who were persecuted by the communist regime. Original post Here

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Rama congratulates boxer Nelson Hysa after historic victory

Albanian boxer Nelson Hysa continues to make history on the international boxing stage. Hysa secured his 25th career victory on Saturday, with 23 of his wins coming by knockout. The Shkodër-born heavyweight successfully defended his WBO title after knocking out Norway’s Thomas Narmo after two rounds. The 41-year-old Albanian remains …

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Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants

Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …

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Rama shares family message from the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …

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Rama shares Israeli professor Harari’s view: Algorithms target engagement, not truth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …

News
Hoxha announces Virtual Diplomatic Presence for 24/7 consular services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …

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Sevasti Qiriazi, a pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women

On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …

News
Shaban Demiraj, the patriarch of the Albanian language

Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …

News
Seven wildfires remain active across four counties, with 284 personnel deployed

Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …

News
Albanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …

News

Author Lea Ypi Explores Albanians’ Struggles for Dignity Under Communism

Albanian philosopher and writer Lea Ypi talks to BIRN about exploring the importance of freedom and dignity through the plight of her grandparents, who were persecuted by the communist regime. Original post Here

News

Rama congratulates boxer Nelson Hysa after historic victory

Albanian boxer Nelson Hysa continues to make history on the international boxing stage. Hysa secured his 25th career victory on Saturday, with 23 of his wins coming by knockout. The Shkodër-born heavyweight successfully defended his WBO title after knocking out Norway’s Thomas Narmo after two rounds. The 41-year-old Albanian remains …

News

Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants

Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …

News

Rama shares family message from the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …

News

Rama shares Israeli professor Harari’s view: Algorithms target engagement, not truth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …

News

Hoxha announces Virtual Diplomatic Presence for 24/7 consular services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …

News

Sevasti Qiriazi, a pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women

On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …

News

Shaban Demiraj, the patriarch of the Albanian language

Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …

News

Seven wildfires remain active across four counties, with 284 personnel deployed

Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …

News

Albanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …