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North Macedonia’s Small Towns Bear Brunt of Healthcare Gap

People in the capital Skopje have the best access to healthcare services in the country. For residents of smaller towns, the situation is significantly worse – and people living in little Krusevo have the poorest healthcare access of all. Original post Here

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Trend of Albanian Women Suicides Caused by Men ‘Worrying’, Experts Say

Latest suicide of a woman who killed herself after a man published intimate photos of her on TikTok reflects a concerning trend in society, say activists and campaigners – who call for more effective preventative measures Original post Here

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Albanians Aren’t Indebted to Italy for its 1990s ‘Welcome’

Edi Rama’s justification for the migrant deal with Rome – that Albanians owe Italy a historic ‘debt’ to Italy – is based on a misreading of history. Original post Here

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Albanian Prosecution Seeks Jail Term for Mayor-Elect of Himara

Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime asked for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is on trial for alleged vote-buying. Original post Here

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Repatriated Albanians Find New Routes Back to Britain

The flow of migrants from Albania to Britain has dropped dramatically since 2022, but some repatriated Albanians have found new ways to achieve their dream, one that often ends in prolonged illegality. Original post Here

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Albanian Activists Condemn Govt ‘Trick’, Paving Way for Investments in Protected Areas

Edi Rama’s government is attempting to radically change the law on protected areas, paving the way for construction for ‘strategic purposes’ and skipping the public consultation process. Original post Here

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Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania

John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here

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Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban

After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here

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EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas

Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here

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Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention

Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here

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Serbia and Albania move toward opening consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc, Đurić reveals details of meeting with Hoxha

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c30abf35-7593-48b4-92fa-5a8824007b60″ data-turn-id-container=”c30abf35-7593-48b4-92fa-5a8824007b60″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> Serbia and Albania have reached an agreement in principle to open consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc. The announcement was made by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, who said the understanding was reached during a meeting with his Albanian counterpart, Ferit Hoxha. …

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Rama: First permit under the Mountains Package approved for a family from Theth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the National Territorial Council has approved the first permit under the Mountains Package for the Hasani family from Theth. In a post on Facebook, Rama said that the Hasani family has decided to invest its savings in its ancestral land and return to …

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Serbian consulate in Shkodër: Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha responds

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-15″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-15″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has responded to the debate sparked by the Serbian foreign minister’s remarks about the possible opening of a Serbian consulate in the northern Albanian city of Shkodër, stressing that Albania’s main priority remains …

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London-based magazine interviews Rama: Protests, Kushner and the ambition for a European Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama is the focus of an in-depth profile by the prestigious magazine Monocle, which offers a different portrait of Albania’s head of government. From the protests outside the Prime Minister’s Office and the controversy surrounding Jared Kushner’s tourism projects on Albania’s coast, to the ambition of steering …

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Draft of Socialist Party’s new territorial map unveiled, 15 municipalities to be merged

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-turn-id-container=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Socialist Party has submitted a draft law for a new territorial reform, proposing a major reorganization of local government and reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Under the …

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Socialist Party responds to plan to merge 15 municipalities

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Socialist Party (SP) has responded to concerns over its proposed territorial reform, which includes the merger of 15 municipalities, stressing that the territorial consolidation will not result in the “elimination” of any municipality or city. According to the SP, the …

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Why do you still want to stay in power? Rama responds live to citizens: The mission continues until…

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed comments and calls from citizens demanding his resignation during a meeting with the party’s political leaders and the chairs of parliamentary committees. He said his mission would continue until the Albanian flag …

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Rama: I’m not stepping down, I want to take Albania into the EU! Without this mission, I would have already left as prime minister and Socialist Party leader

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-turn-id-container=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama has declared that he will not step down and will continue his political mission until Albania achieves membership in the European Union. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Palace of Brigades with the Socialist …

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Jola Hysa appointed head of Albania’s National Tourism Agency

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-turn-id-container=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-21″ data-turn=”user”> Former Democratic Party (PD) Secretary for Public Relations Jola Hysa has been appointed as the new Director General of Albania’s National Tourism Agency (AKT). *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-22″ data-turn=”assistant”> Hysa replaces Zana Çela in the position. She …

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Residents protest Socialist Party plan to merge Maliq municipality with Korçë

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-turn-id-container=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-turn=”user”> Residents of the Municipality of Maliq announced on Thursday that they will hold a protest against Albania’s proposed new territorial map, which would merge 15 municipalities. Under the Socialist Party’s proposal, Maliq would be merged with the Municipality of Korçë. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Serbia and Albania move toward opening consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc, Đurić reveals details of meeting with Hoxha

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c30abf35-7593-48b4-92fa-5a8824007b60″ data-turn-id-container=”c30abf35-7593-48b4-92fa-5a8824007b60″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> Serbia and Albania have reached an agreement in principle to open consulates in Shkodër and Bujanoc. The announcement was made by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, who said the understanding was reached during a meeting with his Albanian counterpart, Ferit Hoxha. …

News

Rama: First permit under the Mountains Package approved for a family from Theth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the National Territorial Council has approved the first permit under the Mountains Package for the Hasani family from Theth. In a post on Facebook, Rama said that the Hasani family has decided to invest its savings in its ancestral land and return to …

News

Serbian consulate in Shkodër: Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha responds

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-15″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-15″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has responded to the debate sparked by the Serbian foreign minister’s remarks about the possible opening of a Serbian consulate in the northern Albanian city of Shkodër, stressing that Albania’s main priority remains …

News

London-based magazine interviews Rama: Protests, Kushner and the ambition for a European Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama is the focus of an in-depth profile by the prestigious magazine Monocle, which offers a different portrait of Albania’s head of government. From the protests outside the Prime Minister’s Office and the controversy surrounding Jared Kushner’s tourism projects on Albania’s coast, to the ambition of steering …

News

Draft of Socialist Party’s new territorial map unveiled, 15 municipalities to be merged

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-turn-id-container=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Socialist Party has submitted a draft law for a new territorial reform, proposing a major reorganization of local government and reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Under the …

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Socialist Party responds to plan to merge 15 municipalities

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Socialist Party (SP) has responded to concerns over its proposed territorial reform, which includes the merger of 15 municipalities, stressing that the territorial consolidation will not result in the “elimination” of any municipality or city. According to the SP, the …

News

Why do you still want to stay in power? Rama responds live to citizens: The mission continues until…

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed comments and calls from citizens demanding his resignation during a meeting with the party’s political leaders and the chairs of parliamentary committees. He said his mission would continue until the Albanian flag …

News

Rama: I’m not stepping down, I want to take Albania into the EU! Without this mission, I would have already left as prime minister and Socialist Party leader

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-turn-id-container=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama has declared that he will not step down and will continue his political mission until Albania achieves membership in the European Union. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Palace of Brigades with the Socialist …

News

Jola Hysa appointed head of Albania’s National Tourism Agency

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-turn-id-container=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-21″ data-turn=”user”> Former Democratic Party (PD) Secretary for Public Relations Jola Hysa has been appointed as the new Director General of Albania’s National Tourism Agency (AKT). *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-22″ data-turn=”assistant”> Hysa replaces Zana Çela in the position. She …

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Residents protest Socialist Party plan to merge Maliq municipality with Korçë

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-turn-id-container=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-turn=”user”> Residents of the Municipality of Maliq announced on Thursday that they will hold a protest against Albania’s proposed new territorial map, which would merge 15 municipalities. Under the Socialist Party’s proposal, Maliq would be merged with the Municipality of Korçë. *]:pointer-events-auto …