Opposition Takes to the Streets Over State Capture and Blocked Justice
Tirana Times, December 22, 2025 – Tirana witnessed a major opposition-led protest on Saturday, as Albania’s main opposition force, the Democratic Party, together with allied groups, demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government. The demonstration was framed not as a routine political rally, but as a …
Albanian Opposition Rallies for Premier’s Resignation Over Indicted Deputy PM
Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party demonstrated in Tirana against Edi Rama’s government after anti-corruption prosecutors indicted his deputy prime minister and raided officials at the National Information Agency. Original post Here
Security Beyond Soldiers: NATO’s Role in Strengthening Western Balkans Stability
Security in the Western Balkans is no longer defined only by borders and armies, but by the strength of institutions, public trust and the ability to withstand modern pressure. In an interview with the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS), Arjan Starova, former Albanian foreign minister and President of the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 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
A Structured Criminal Group Inside a National Security Institution: The AKSHI Case
Tirana, Tirana Times, 20 December 2025 – The investigation launched by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution has revealed the existence of a structured criminal group operating within the leadership of the National Agency for Information Society, AKSHI. At the center of the case stand the agency’s director and deputy director, accused …
Tirana Marks International Arabic Language Day with a Festive Ceremony
Tirana, Tirana Times, 19 December 2025 – International Arabic Language Day was commemorated in Tirana through a festive ceremony organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Albania, bringing together a broad representation of Albanian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, universities, the academic community, cultural …
Albanian MPs Clash in Parliament Amid Tensions Over Corruption Cases
Opposition MPs hurled bottles and clashed with guards as the new ruling party-backed Ombudsman took his oath amid heightened tensions sparked by high-level graft cases. Original post Here
Visiting Thaci in Hague Jail, Albania PM Slates ’Shameful’ War Court
Albania’s Edi Rama lashed out at the Hague-based Specialist Chambers war crimes court following a visit to Kosovo’s ex-President Hashim Thaci in detention, calling it a ‘theatre of shame’. Original post Here
Stability Has a Schedule: What NATO’s Hague Pledge Means for the Western Balkans
In late August 2022, Montenegro’s government digital infrastructure was hit by what officials called an “unprecedented” cyberattack. The disruption was serious enough that parts of the public sector had to fall back on manual workarounds while authorities tried to isolate affected systems. In a region where state capacity is often …
Albania in 2025: Socialists Win Big, Graft Probes Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama secured a historic fourth term in office and consolidated his rule against a background of ongoing corruption investigations into several politicians from the governing Socialist Party. Original post Here
The Albanian national football team has returned to training after coming back from Finland. The Red and Black squad held its latest session at the House of Football as it prepares for the upcoming match against San Marino. The coaching staff divided the squad into two groups. Players who did …
President Bajram Begaj has called on new magistrates to uphold integrity, responsibility and commitment to justice. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates. Begaj said the profession requires more than legal knowledge. He stressed the importance of character, professional …
Supreme Court President Sokol Sadushi has stressed the responsibility, independence and integrity expected from future judges and prosecutors. He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates. Addressing the new students, Sadushi said they would assume important responsibilities in Albania’s justice system. He …
Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu has addressed medical students at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. She said medicine faces rapid changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostics and scientific research. Spahiu said future doctors will practise medicine differently from previous generations. She noted that scientific and technological advances …
Albania is attracting growing attention as a more affordable holiday destination at a time when many popular international destinations, particularly island and luxury-focused locations, come with higher costs. According to an article published by the French blog “Horticulture-Abadie-Pyrénées,” Albania ranks among the destinations that can offer an attractive holiday experience …
The Assembly of Kosova has approved in the first reading a bill amending the Law on Specialist Chambers. All 91 lawmakers who took part in the vote supported the bill. The legislation now requires a second reading for final approval. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosova needs functioning institutions to …
Albania’s northeastern border with North Macedonia runs along the mountain slopes of the Deshat massif, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park. Below these slopes, Kercisht i Sipërm offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Maqellarë area. Locals call the village the “Balcony of Maqellarë.” From here, visitors can …
The world premiere of “Neighbours / from Motherland” opened the fifth International Dance Festival in Tirana. The performance received a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasi created the contemporary dance work. It brought the Albanian and Kosova Ballet companies together on the same stage …
Socialist Party Parliamentary Group leader Taulant Balla said the majority will vote for its draft plan to change Albania’s administrative-territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. Speaking to the media at the Assembly of Albania, Balla said the country needs major reforms to …
Albania Justice Minister Gogu: Penal Procedure Code changes will not weaken fight against corruption
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said proposed changes to Albania’s Penal Procedure Code will not weaken the fight against corruption and organised crime. He said tackling serious criminal offences remains a non-negotiable priority. The review aims to strengthen citizens’ guarantees while preserving mechanisms to investigate and punish serious crime. Meanwhile, Theo …