US Highlights Concerns about Election of Albania’s Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor
The US ambassador has urged members of the High Council of Prosecutors to freely elect the next anti-corruption chief after days of media speculation about interference in the process. PM Rama denied he is trying to influence the decision. Original post Here
Albanian Court Sentences Iranian Citizen on Terrorism Charges
Albania’s special anti-corruption court announced a 10-year jail sentence for Bijan Pooladrag, who was first arrested in 2020 on suspicion of being an Iranian agent monitoring the MEK organisation in Albania. Original post Here
Albania and UK Announce Joint Task Force Against Crime and Illegal Migration
As the number of illegal emigrants from Albania soar, London and Tirana announced they will tackle the issue through a joint task force. Original post Here
Albania’s New Anti-Corruption Chief Prosecutor Seen as US Favoured Candidate
The High Council of Prosecutors chose a new head of the Special Prosecution against Organised Crime and Corruption on Friday, in an election which was being closely followed by the US to ensure there was no political interference. Original post Here
Socialist Party Candidate’s Son Accused of Vote Buying in Albania Election
Opposition activists in a mayoral election in remote northern Albania have accused the ruling Socialists of using state aid packages for vote-buying purposes. Original post Here
Vlora block of flat’s electricity feeder engulfed by flames
Electrical package on the first floor of a residential block has been engulfed in flames this Wednesday morning in the pier area of Vlora. Timely intervention of the fire brigade isolated the flames, as there were electric cables or even water tanks on the first floor. As a result of …
European police chiefs met in Tirana for increase of security parameters
General Director of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, has declared Wednesday that organized crime, illegal trafficking and cyber-attacks, which until recently were negligible, have become a priority. During the gathering of 43 police chiefs of European capitals in Tirana, within the framework of the conference on deepening cooperation to increase …
New hospital inaugurated at QSUT premises
This Wednesday, the central hospital in the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center in the capital has started work. The news was announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who wrote on “Facebook” that this hospital has started work with the first seven services, to continue afterwards with all the services that …
Glover meets PR head, Mediu request: Bigger OSCE/ODIHR presence in monitoring
The Head of the Republican Party met with Ambassador Glover and the representatives of ODIHR who lead the election observation mission in Albania. In response to Ms. Glover’s request to learn about the election situation in Albania, Mr. Mediu points out that: 1. Due to the lack of political will, …
Elections, Audrey Glover meeting with Meta at Party of Freedom headquarters
The head of the OSCE-ODIHR Observer Mission for the May 14 local elections, Audrey Glover, has planned to hold several meetings today. Initially, Glover will meet with the chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta around 10:30. “It is a meeting, which comes in the framework of the preparations of …
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, …