Free and Fair? Albania’s Flawed Election Reflects Worrying Global Trend
In a world where interest-driven foreign policies take precedence over democratic standards, the abuses documented during Albania’s parliamentary election are unlikely to meet much criticism – allowing the ruling Socialist Party to consolidate power. Original post Here
International Observers Condemn ‘Abusive Practices’ in Albania’s Elections
International observers criticised ‘widespread intimidation and abuse of public resources’ in Sunday’s election – which Edi Rama’s ruling Socialist Party looks set to win by a landslide. Original post Here
Edi Rama’s Socialist Party Leads in Albanian Parliamentary Elections
With vote-counting continuing from Sunday’s election, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party appears to be on track to win an unprecedented fourth term in office, although Sali Berisha’s opposition Democratic Party is showing gains. Original post Here
Balkan Church Leaders Embrace Leo, the First American Pope
Balkan members of the Catholic Church have praised “broad-minded, spontaneous” Pope Leo XIV for his education, experience and openness. Original post Here
May 11 Elections: Albania at a Democratic and European Crossroads
Tirana Times, May 8,– On May 11, 2025, Albania will hold its tenth parliamentary elections since the fall of communism in 1991 – a moment expected to be decisive not only for the political fate of the main parties but also for the democratic future and European orientation of the …
Diaspora Vote and New Parties Bring Air of Uncertainty to Albanian Election
The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning
The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here
‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming
Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’
In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here
Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly
TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …
Prime Minister Edi Rama outlined plans to improve communication between citizens and public institutions following a meeting with Socialist Party political leaders in Pogradec. Rama said the meeting focused on “Besa”, government presence on the ground and a new communication system designed to strengthen direct contact with citizens. He also …
A strong earthquake struck Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in Ibaraki Prefecture. The tremor also reached the Tokyo area. So far, the Albanian Embassy has reported no deaths or major damage. However, the earthquake injured several people, and the Embassy wished them a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Albanian Embassy …
Albania U-21 opened its “Taranto 2026” campaign with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Group B. The match took place in Lecce. The Red and Blacks made a strong start and took the lead just before halftime. Rajmond Marinaj scored in the 45th minute to put Albania ahead. However, Italy …
President Bajram Begaj met with the Arbëresh community in San Marzano di San Giuseppe, in the province of Taranto, highlighting its historic role in strengthening ties between Albania and Italy. During his visit, President Begaj was welcomed by local authorities and residents. First, he laid a wreath at the bust …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja met Italian Sports and Youth Minister Andrea Abodi during the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Italy in sports and youth policies. They focused on sports infrastructure, staff training and sports medicine. They also stressed the need …
The “Freedom Has a Name” platform has presented the civic initiative “Kosovo Is Waiting,” as part of which a “March for Freedom” will be held in Pristina on September 12, ahead of the verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army …
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …