Building integrity and accountability in Albanian public universities: practical lessons from the United States
Aaron Savoy-Pasha | Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) Albanian higher education faces documented integrity risks, particularly in grading, favoritism, and political influence. A 2024 peer-reviewed study highlights how these pressures shape assessment and weaken trust in degrees (Shahini, Zhllima, and Imami, 2024). Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index …
Veliaj’s Fall: Politics or Justice?
The detention and attempted dismissal of Tirana’s mayor raises fresh doubts over Albania’s rule of law and political maneuvering. Albania, Tirana Times, September 22,2025. The Socialist-controlled Tirana Municipal Council is expected to vote on Tuesday to dismiss Erion Veliaj from his post as mayor, formalizing a political downfall that has …
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”). …
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
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
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 …
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 …
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
Albania State Police Director General Skënder Hita congratulated students on the start of the new academic year. He said the police will step up its efforts to ensure their safety and provide a calm environment for study. Hita said the State Police will work with students to prevent any activity …
State Minister for Parliamentary Relations Erjona Ismaili met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. They discussed ways to modernise Albania’s legislative process and strengthen parliamentary institutions. The talks also covered technology and artificial intelligence. The participants discussed their use to improve transparency and efficiency. They …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida led the delegation. United States Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended the meeting. The talks focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the …
The life and work of Albanian filmmaker Viktor Stratobërdha (1925–2000) took centre stage at a film event in Tirana. The event examined the career of an artist whose creative work lasted only 13 months before the communist regime cut it short. The Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents …
Sulejman Delvina was born in Delvina on October 5, 1871. He was a political activist and patriot. He later became prime minister of the government formed by the Congress of Lushnja in 1920. Delvina began his studies at the Zosimea Gymnasium in Ioannina. He later continued his education in Istanbul. …
The Kosovo Assembly has approved, in its first reading, a draft law proposed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) to amend and supplement the Law on the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. The draft law was approved with 91 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions. …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said that the parliamentary majority will vote on Thursday to approve the territorial reform. Speaking to reporters, Balla said the country needs stronger municipalities with higher revenues, while calling on the Democratic Party to take part in discussions on the …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi welcomed a delegation from the United States House of Representatives to the Albanian Parliament, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended the meeting. Discussions focused on further strengthening the strategic relationship between Albania …
Ilir Panda has been elected the new President of Albania’s Supreme Court. The judges of the Supreme Court unanimously voted in favour of Panda, who was the only candidate in the race. Fourteen judges took part in the vote, all voting in favour of his candidacy. Panda will lead the …
Begaj: Integrity and professionalism of magistrates will determine the success of the justice system
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates, where he addressed the new generation of magistrates, candidates for prosecutors and judges, state attorneys and judicial assistants. Begaj stressed the importance of integrity and professionalism among the new generation …