Cannabis plot with about 500 plants found in Shkodra
A plot of cannabis, consisting of about 500 seddlings has been discovered this Thursday morning in a public property in the village of Ashtë of Shkodra, along the banks of Drin river. According to the police, the narcotic plants were found during drone controls, carried out in the framework of …
Today in Tirana, Polish president welcomed with a state ceremony by Begaj
The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda will visit Albania today where he will be welcomed by President Bajram Begaj. After the state welcome ceremony, the two presidents will hold a special meeting and then at 12:20 they are expected to hold a joint press conference. In the second part of …
Lezha young man busted with nearly 50 kilos of drugs
A 28-year-old man has been arrested this Thursday by Lezha Police on the charges of narcotic substances’ transportation. During the operation coded “Gurra”, the police detained citizen Elton Qarku, 28 years old, who was transporting about 48.5 kilograms of cannabis narcotics divided into 12 packages, ready for dealing. In the …
CEC head’s letter on electoral crimes’ prevention to law enforcement
Head of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Ilirjan Celibashi has addressed a letter to the Prosecutor General, Olsian Çela, the head of the Special Prosecution against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK), Altin Dumani, as well as the Director General of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku. In his letter, Celibashi requests …
Mayor Veliaj meets Tirana suburbs’ residents ahead of local polls
Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj and socialist MP, Xhemal Qefalia, met this Thursday with the residents of Tufina, Fresk, Dajti, Zall-Herri, Shëngjergji and Zall Bastari, from where he thanked everyone who joined the Socialist Party’s (SP) the electoral campaign. During the gathering, Veliaj said that this was indeed a model …
SPAK seeks halt of drugs probe on Selim Çekaj
Special Prosecution against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) has demanded this Thursday the suspension of the investigation for Selim Çekaj, accused of trafficking 49 kg of cocaine from Ecuador to Albania. Çekaj is the father of Arbër Çekaj, convicted for trafficking 613 kg of cocaine that entered Albania through his …
At least six injured in Tirana bus-car crash
An accident has been recorded this Wednesday morning in the Sauk area of the Albanian capital, where a Tirana-Petrela line bus was hit by an “Audi” vehicle. Due to the accident, 6 people were injured, while the driver of the “Audi” and a passenger are currently receiving treatment at the …
“Vote buying”, Kim appeals to institutions to do their job
The Ambassador of the United States of America, Yuri Kim, reacted this Wednesday regarding the political situation created in our country before the May 14 elections. In a statement to journalists, Kim also commented on the latest information about vote buying a few days before Election Day. The American diplomat …
Fishermen saved after crash with ferry on Durres shore
Three fishermen have been rescued in the early hours of this Wednesday morning after they were left in the open sea, after the vehicle they were sailing with was damaged as a result of the collision of a Bari ferry on the coast of Durres. Fishermen have been identified as …
Tirana, two punished on vote-rigging charges
One person has been arrested and another has been prosecuted this Wednesday morning during the police operation coded “The Promiser”. Citizen K.A., 52 years old, was put in handcuffs and the 61-year-old citizen A.D. was processed in a free state, because in cooperation with each other, they communicated about buying …
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
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …