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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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 …
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
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
‘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
‘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
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
“Pashaliman Deal: Albania’s Transactional Politics and Western Patronage”
From D’Alema to Tony Blair, Rama’s reliance on influential Western figures fuels controversy. TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 15,2025) — The Albanian government’s decision to hand over part of the Pashaliman naval base to an Italian developer under criminal investigation has widened into a broader debate about Prime Minister Edi …
EU Countries Ban Albanian Farm Exports Amid Safety Scandal
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 10, 2025 ) — Albania is grappling with an escalating food safety crisis as European Union member states including Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Germany repeatedly block or destroy shipments of its agricultural products, citing dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals. The latest scandal unfolded …
Saudi Literature in Albanian: Tirana Times Publishes Three New Titles Ahead of Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana
Tirana Times Staff Albania, September 15, 2025, Tirana Times .With the opening of the Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana tomorrow, Tirana Times Publishing House is marking the occasion with the release of three new translations of contemporary Saudi novels into Albanian. The titles—Critical Condition of Patient “K” by Aziz Muhamed, …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. The two officials discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation …
Today marks one year since the death of People’s Artist Dhimitër Anagnosti (1936–2025), one of the most influential figures in Albanian cinema. Born in Vuno, Himara, Anagnosti graduated in cinematography from the Moscow Film Institute in 1960. He began his career as a cinematographer at the “New Albania” Film Studio. …
President Bajram Begaj congratulated Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja today after his gold-medal performance at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Begaj praised Calja’s achievement and highlighted his new Mediterranean record. “Congratulations, Briken! Albania is proud of you,” Begaj wrote in his message. He also described the achievement as “a new record …
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Albanian heavyweight boxer Nelson Hysa to his office today. Rama met Hysa after the boxer successfully defended his WBO title against Norwegian fighter Thomas Narmo. During the meeting, Rama asked Hysa about the fight and his career in the ring. Hysa spoke about the challenge, …
On September 1, 1912, Shkodra opened Albania’s first public cinema, known as the “Grand-Kino Skioptiko-Electric Theatre.” Austrian entrepreneur Jozef Shtauber launched the initiative. Meanwhile, renowned Shkodra painter Kolë Idromeno supported the project and offered space in his home for the screenings. The cinema continued showing films until 1914. However, the …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has signed an order that changes the age limits for joining the Albanian State Police. The new rules open more opportunities for applicants. They target young people, experienced professionals and employees from other security institutions. The decision follows requests from citizens who contacted the minister through …
The Ministry of Defense has provided the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the update issued at 09:00 on September 1, 2026, a total of 27 wildfires were reported over the past 24 hours, of which 4 remain active, while another 4 are under monitoring. …
Islam Selmani is the Mediterranean karate champion after winning gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. In the final of the up to 60 kg category, he defeated Turkish karate athlete Burak Ozdemir 1-0. The bout was closely contested, with Selmani scoring the only point. This is Kosovo’s seventh medal …
Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja has won the gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, setting a new record in the process. President of the Republic Bajram Begaj praised the Albanian athlete’s achievement in a post on social media. “Congratulations to our weightlifter, Briken Calja, on winning the gold medal …
The Municipal Police have continued their operation to clear public spaces of illegally placed barriers used to reserve parking spaces. During Tuesday’s operation, officers focused on the residential blocks near “Pranvera” Square and the area around the former police district headquarters, where various obstacles were removed. Concrete blocks, metal structures, …