Money laundering for “Cosa Nostra”, Rezart Taçi’s accomplices are sentenced to prison
The Special Court has sentenced to 14 years in prison the two associates of the businessman Rezart Taçi, Bledar Lilo and Artur Balla, who are accused of laundering millions of euros of the Italian mafia organization “Cosa Nostra” in Albania. The Special Court sentenced Artur Balla, the brother-in-law of the …
21-year-old arrested for hauling illegal migrants
A 21-year-old man has ended up in handcuffs this Tuesday after he was caught transporting migrants to Montenegro. Citizen Orjad Tarja was caught in flagrant at the roundabout of Hoti, Malësi e Madhe, while transporting 3 citizens from Pakistan by vehicle, with the intention of illegally crossing the border. Afterwards, …
Ex-MP’s house in Italy engulfed by flames
A serious incident happened to the former Member of Parliament Eduard Ndocaj, whose house in Milan, Italy caught fire and it is suspected in advance that an electric spark may have been the cause. In a statement for the Albanian local media, Ndocaj told the whole moment when the event …
Rama invites youths to join armed forces, promises wage increase
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on young people this Tuesday to join the Armed Forces, underlining that for this category, in addition to the salary increase of 30% in 2022 and 7% this year, another significant increase up to 22% will become a reality in 2024. Through a social …
CEC cast lots for Berisha-Meta
Has been the cast at the CEC to divide the fourth counter between PL and PDIU for the May 14 elections. PDIU will have counters at even-numbered tables, while the Freedom Party will have counters at odd-numbered tables. Counting groups have 4 members: 2 majorities and 2 opposition. For the …
Explosives attack recorded in Shkodra bar
A quantity of explosives blasted in a bar in the “Fermentim” neighborhood in Shkodër in the early hours of this Monday morning. According to the police, it was the owner of the bar, citizen F. K., 65 years old, who informed the police that when he went to open his …
Trial on former defense minister in GJKKO postponed
Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has postponed this Monday the session against the former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, who was taken as a defendant in the “Gërdeci” case. Reason for postponing the session is because the Prosecution needs time to present the final charges. The next …
Defense Minister warns of raining, rivers ewelling in North-western Albania
Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi, has declared that starting from this Monday, there will be raining of medium intensity and to some extent high, mainly in the north-western part of Albania. In a statement from Korça, Peleshi said that it will not be necessary for discharges in cascades, since the …
Under-construction block of flats endangered by fire
A fire broke out this Monday near a block of apartments that is under construction in the “New Boulevard” area of Tirana. According to preliminary information, garbage was being burned near the building that is being constructed. Firefighters went to the scene to put out the flames, which endangered the …
Fier incinerator session at Special Court fails
The first session for the Fieri incinerator, which was expected to be held this Monday, has failed. The reason was the non-notification of one of the accused persons. In today’s session, the former Minister of Environment, Lefter Koka, and the former secretary of this ministry, Alqi Blako, were not present. …
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 …
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 …
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’ …
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 …