Day 8 of Protests: Citizens Begin March and Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”be261de4-5834-44b1-a20d-f764503f7188″ data-turn-id-container=”be261de4-5834-44b1-a20d-f764503f7188″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again this Sunday in Skanderbeg Square, from where they marched along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard on the eighth day of protests against the planned development project in Zvërnec. *]: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:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-6″ …
Elbasan: Rama Says Albania Is Facing “Resistance” to Development, Points to Montenegro as an Example
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at an event in Elbasan marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party, also addressed the protests that have taken place in recent days across the country. Referring to foreign investments in Montenegro, Rama argued that such projects have played a key role in that country’s development, while in Albania, …
DnV: Voter Turnout 10% Lower Than in the Two Parliamentary Elections Held in 2025
*]: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:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-9″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-20″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Democracy in Action (DnV) issued a statement to the media on Sunday afternoon, providing updates on the progress of Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections. According to DnV, voter turnout has been significantly lower than in the two parliamentary elections held in …
Saudi Ambassador Presents Credentials To Albanian President As Ties Gain Momentum
Tirana Times, June 05, 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Albania, Turki Ibraheem Almadhi, presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, marking the formal start of his diplomatic mission in Tirana. Begaj welcomed the ambassador and wished him success, reaffirming Albania’s commitment to further strengthening friendly relations and cooperation …
PM Rama says Zvërnec protests misrepresented by international media
TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …
Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament
TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …
Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night
TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …
Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
This week, Albania hosts a busy cultural program across multiple cities. First, the Israeli Cultural Week runs from 9–11 June. It promotes cultural dialogue. It also highlights Israeli artistic energy and creativity. Next, the program opens with a concert by Israeli artist Hillel at the National Theatre of Opera and …
Albania leads Europe in interest in football, according to the latest UEFA Grow Market Research report. UEFA conducted the study in partnership with Nielsen Sport. The report shows that 78% of Albanian adults follow football. This figure stands far above the European average of 48%. It also marks a sharp …
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected on Monday remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in hybrid or cyber activities in Albania. Rama said Albanian institutions, public services and digital infrastructure were targeted by cyberattacks that international investigations have linked …
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Valeria Paglionico writes this in an article published by the Italian media outlet “fanpage.it”. She cites beaches, history, hospitality and low prices as key factors. Paglionico highlights a wide travel offer across the …
TIRANA, June 9 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Skies will be mostly clear. Cloud cover will pass during midday hours. In addition, light and occasional rainfall will develop in mountainous areas during the afternoon. These showers will remain weak …
The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …
The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …
President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …