Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit
Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle on Thursday, overshadowing the European Political Community’s agenda in Copenhagen and sparking both international scrutiny and domestic criticism. The incident unfolded when Rama, known for injecting jokes into international meetings, …
Mayoral Election in Capital Stirs Albanian Opposition Hopes of Comeback
The byelection in Tirana, whose Socialist mayor is behind bars, is a precious opportunity for Albania’s opposition – but analysts warn that victory remains unlikely. Original post Here
Albania Govt Demands Elections in Capital Despite Jailed Mayor’s Court Appeal
Ruling Socialists push for new elections in Tirana as jailed mayor tries to block the move, claiming his dismissal is in breach of his constitutional rights. Original post Here
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals Slip
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals SlipTirana, September 26, 2025 — By Tirana Times Staff Albania’s summer tourism season ended on a stronger note in August, with a surge in visitors from neighboring Kosovo offsetting weak demand from other markets, particularly Italy. According to official data from …
Fourth estate’s useful idiots
(cases from Albania in which international media should had known better) The cashless dream This July, a Politico-Europe journalist texted me about comments regarding Albanian PM Edi Rama’s recent statement that he would abolish all cash payments by 2030. I replied that this would be a recurring attention-seeking stunt and …
Digital Rights Review: AI and Growing Uncertainty Over What’s Real Online
BIRN monitoring during August revealed widespread misuse of AI to impersonate citizens and politicians across Southeast Europe, while Albania appointed an AI as a government minister, and Turkey treated an AI chatbot as a criminal for insulting the President. Original post Here
Albanian Mayor’s Dismissal Seemingly Ends Rising Star’s Career
Erion Veliaj’s dismissal as Tirana mayor appears to have terminated the career of a man once seen as a possible successor to Edi Rama. Original post Here
Tirana Council Dismisses Mayor Erion Veliaj
Tirana, September 23, 2025 , Tirana Times– The extraordinary dismissal of Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, by the Municipal Council marks one of the most dramatic political upheavals in Albania’s recent history. Once celebrated as the rising star of the Socialist Party and widely perceived as a potential successor to Prime …
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 …
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …