Ibrahimaj: We approved several draft decisions on salary increases
Albanian government has approved the salary increase for some sectors, specifically in health, education and in the field of security. The Minister of Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, said that the government made the decision to increase the salaries of support employees of the public administration. “We approved an important draft law, …
Justice minister seeks solving of Lezha businessman’s assassination
Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja has underlined Thursday that the murder that happened on Wednesday in Lezha, where businessman Ardian Nikulaj was shot to death must be solved and the killer must be put to justice. After the government meeting regarding the salary increase, he was asked about the accusations …
Tirana businessman kidnapped by brothers
Two brothers are accused of having taken hostage and violated businessman Gjergji Fela, 47 years old, on Wednesday evening in Tirana. Police announced this Thursday that 35-year-old Alban Bejo has been arrested and his 28-year-old brother Fatmir Bejo hasbeen declared wanted. Everything took place in Kombinat area of the capital, …
Turkish cryptocurrency boss is extradited to Turkey
This Thursday morning, the specialists of Interpol Tirana, those of the Elite Force RENEA and the services of the General Directorate of Prisons, handed over the citizen Faruk Ozer, 29 years old, to the counterparts of Interpol Ankara, with the aim of extraditing him to Turkey. The 29-year-old was arrested …
“Democratic Party in abnormal situation”, Alibeaj talks about the meeting with Glover
In the studio of Tirana Live on ABC News, the commanding head of the PD, Enkelejd Alibeaj commented, among other things, on the meeting held with the head of the OSCE-ODIHR mission, Audrey Glover. Alibeaj said that he informed Glover on the violations encountered according to him in the electoral …
Pension increase and bonus/ Balluku: Increase in September
Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku during her stay in Diber held a meeting with the pensioners of this city. She emphasized that in the month of September, pensioners will receive the second bonus, before these, which were provided by the extraordinary tax from the energy producers. The Minister of Infrastructure …
Deserted Albanian Village Tries to Keep Ancient Carnival Alive
The spring carnival is the pride and joy of the village of Narta in southern Albania, held at the end of the Orthodox Easter Fast – but as emigration shrinks the local community, some fear for its future. Original post Here
Freedom of Information in Balkans Still ‘On Paper Only’, Panel Hears
Planned legal changes to FOI laws seem to be designed to make it even harder for journalists to hold the authorities accountable, a BIRN panel discussion in Skopje heard. Original post Here
Former candidate for deputy was shot dead
A serious incident happened a few minutes ago in the city of Shengjin, where citizen Ardian Nikulaj was shot dead. The police are at the scene and have surrounded the entire area, while the causes are still unknown. Ardian Nikulaj, 50, was a businessman and former candidate for MP in …
What do Albania’s upcoming municipal elections mean for foreign investors?
NEWS ANALYSIS TIRANA, April 19, 2023 – Albania’s political parties have started campaigning across the country for the upcoming May 14 municipal elections, which will determine the mayors and municipal council members of Albania’s 61 municipalities. By their very nature, municipal elections are supposed to focus on local issues, but …
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, …