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Muslims join Christians in criticism of Olympic Opening ceremony appearing to mock biblical scene

TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – Albanian media has been covering the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games for the reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper by drag queens, something condemned by both Chrisitans and Muslims.  “This ceremony unfortunately included scenes in which Christianity was …

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In surprise move, PM makes key changes to cabinet

TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – In a surprise move at his Socialist Party congress, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes in some of the most important cabinet positions in his government a year before the next general election.  Ministers of interior, finance and defense have been sacked and …

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The chief prosecutor of Vlora arrested by order of SPAK

The chief prosecutor of Vlora, Aurel Zarka, was arrested by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Journalist Elton Nika reports that the reasons for Zarka’s arrest are still unknown. Meanwhile, two people were detained, one of them a lawyer./abcnews.al […] Read More… Original post Here

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Parliament to vote changes in govt tuesday

Parliament will gather Tuesday in an extraordinary session to vote the new members of the government. The session was supposed to be held this evening at 18:00 pm but the President, needed more time to verify the new members of the cabinet and decree them. On the last year of his …

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Rama puts everyone in test for a post in the MPs list

Socialists should work hard to earn a post in a list for Members of Parliament as starting this elections most of them are in the hands of the chairman of the party. Prime Minister Edi Rama, called this Monday the meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group where he underlined …

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Socialist Party Congress, Rama: Immigrants voting is already a reality

The Congress of the Socialist Party has started, the proceedings of which are taking place in the Palace of Congresses. Prime Minister Edi Rama is keeping his word. “This is an important station in the journey of our party. Not simply that today we will choose the representatives in the …

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Rama: I want a spectacular result in the next elections

A spectacular result, Rama asked for the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are expected to be held next year. From the SP congress, Rama said that Albanians should see the SP as a mirror of hope and ambition for the future. The further strengthening of the SP, but also for the …

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Rama for the fourth term: To hold the NATO Summit in Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that projects such as the blue corridor or Vlora airport will be completed within the fourth mandate of the Socialist Party. In his speech to the Congress, Rama declared that the number of foreign tourists will reach 20 million. The head of the government added …

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Rama’s proposals for changes in government sent to Presidency

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes in the government. In his speech to the Congress, the head of the government declared that he will propose to the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, changes in the government cabinet. Rama said that Taulant Balla will be proposed to the post …

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Thailand removes visas for citizens of Albania

Albanian citizens can travel visa-free to Thailand. The news was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, through an announcement on social networks. Now, Albanians can travel without visas to 99 countries, according to Hasan. The minister added that work will continue to strengthen the Albanian passport everywhere …

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Week in Review: Deadlocks, Unexpected Twists and New Approaches

Our selection of Premium stories this week looks at the challenges facing the region as the summer season winds down and business-as-usual resumes. Original post Here

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Kosovo Court Imposes New Ban on Parliament Over Deputy Speaker Logjam

Court again bans MPs from forming institutions deriving from the February elections while it considers a complaint about the failure to elect a deputy speaker from the Serb community, as guaranteed in the constitution. Original post Here

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Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi: Saudi Arabia Cultural Week, a Bridge of Communication Between the Two Countries

On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Week, which will take place in Tirana from September 16–20 at the Palace of Congresses, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania, Mr. Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi, through a press statement, praised this event as …

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Dirty Water: Albania’s Polluted Rivers Need Cleaning Now, Activist Says

When Denisa Kasa returned from abroad and saw the state of Albania’s filthy waterways, she was shocked. Now she has formed an independent collective of young people dedicated to the ‘dream of clean rivers’. Original post Here

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Saudi Cultural Week to Bring a Taste of Arabia to Tirana

Tirana will soon open its doors to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arabia. From 16 to 20 September 2025, the Palace of Congresses will transform into a vibrant stage for Saudi Cultural Week, a five-day celebration of art, heritage, and creativity hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The festival promises to be more …

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Iranian Opposition Group’s Stay in Albania Turns Sour

Albania’s hosting of an exiled Iranian opposition group was never likely to be easy. Now it’s under criminal investigation. Original post Here

News
Week in Review: Tricks and Surprises

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and other turbulent issues across the region. Original post Here

News
Years After Discovery, Albania’s Roman-Era Mosaics Remain Hidden to Public View

The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here

News
After Major Wildfires, Albania Warned to Boost Preparedness Urgently

As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here

News
“Challenges of Academic Integrity in Albanian Universities: An Interview with Migen Qiraxhi”

Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …

News

Week in Review: Deadlocks, Unexpected Twists and New Approaches

Our selection of Premium stories this week looks at the challenges facing the region as the summer season winds down and business-as-usual resumes. Original post Here

News

Kosovo Court Imposes New Ban on Parliament Over Deputy Speaker Logjam

Court again bans MPs from forming institutions deriving from the February elections while it considers a complaint about the failure to elect a deputy speaker from the Serb community, as guaranteed in the constitution. Original post Here

News

Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi: Saudi Arabia Cultural Week, a Bridge of Communication Between the Two Countries

On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Week, which will take place in Tirana from September 16–20 at the Palace of Congresses, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania, Mr. Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi, through a press statement, praised this event as …

News

Dirty Water: Albania’s Polluted Rivers Need Cleaning Now, Activist Says

When Denisa Kasa returned from abroad and saw the state of Albania’s filthy waterways, she was shocked. Now she has formed an independent collective of young people dedicated to the ‘dream of clean rivers’. Original post Here

News

Saudi Cultural Week to Bring a Taste of Arabia to Tirana

Tirana will soon open its doors to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arabia. From 16 to 20 September 2025, the Palace of Congresses will transform into a vibrant stage for Saudi Cultural Week, a five-day celebration of art, heritage, and creativity hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The festival promises to be more …

News

Iranian Opposition Group’s Stay in Albania Turns Sour

Albania’s hosting of an exiled Iranian opposition group was never likely to be easy. Now it’s under criminal investigation. Original post Here

News

Week in Review: Tricks and Surprises

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and other turbulent issues across the region. Original post Here

News

Years After Discovery, Albania’s Roman-Era Mosaics Remain Hidden to Public View

The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here

News

After Major Wildfires, Albania Warned to Boost Preparedness Urgently

As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here

News

“Challenges of Academic Integrity in Albanian Universities: An Interview with Migen Qiraxhi”

Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …