Government reshuffle, Interior Minister Lamallari leaves, Ervin Demo takes over
Prime Minister Edi Rama has officially announced a change in of Albania’s Interior Ministry, with Besfort Lamallari leaving the post and Ervin Demo taking over as minister. During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama said the move was part of a reshuffle within the government team. Lamallari will …
Ervin Demo, who is Albania’s new Interior Minister?
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes to his government, with Ervin Demo taking over as Interior Minister as of Friday. Demo had served as Minister of State for Local Government since September 2025. As part of the latest government changes, the Ministry of State for Local Government will be …
Administrative Court unblocks magistrates’ salaries, Rama: If only it had the same standard for citizens’ problems…
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted after the Administrative Court issued a decision unblocking salaries for the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) and the Durrës Court. In a post on X, Rama criticized the speed with which, according to him, the court acted on the issue of judges’ …
Week in Review: Tests and Pressures
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …
Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …
Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …
Around 17,000 students have started the new school year at vocational schools across Albania. The programmes combine theoretical education with practical training and work experience to prepare students for the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj wished students a successful new school year. She also sent a …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Goddess of Butrint, known as Dea, has returned to her place of discovery. The return allows visitors to see the valuable archaeological work up close. The sculpture has completed a long journey from the ancient city of Butrint to …
Euronews reports that Albania could rank among the most sought-after tourism destinations in 2027. The report highlights its beaches and competitive prices as key attractions for tourists. Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based organisation that brings together independent travel businesses, ranks Albania among the destinations to visit in 2027. It highlights …
The Antigonea Archaeological Park in the Gjirokastër region hosted participants in the Ultra4Charity Mountain Race. The runners crossed the area and explored the landscapes of the Drinos Valley. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the event promoted the area’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. Ultra4Charity organises races and …
Gonxhja: Archaeological Discovery in Strikçan Among Five Finalists for International “Palmyra” Award
A monumental tomb discovered in Strikçan, Bulqizë, has been selected among the five finalists for the international “Palmyra” Award and the “Special” Public Award at the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (BMTA). The Institute of Archaeology led the project that uncovered the monumental tomb. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi …
Tourists continue to visit Vlora in September as they enjoy the final days of summer, the city’s natural beauty and its lively coastal atmosphere. The coastal city remains a popular destination even after the peak summer months. September brings milder temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. This combination attracts visitors who …