In Albania’s Himara, Property Rights More Important Than Greek Diplomatic Row
Last year’s mayoral elections in the southern coastal town led to a diplomatic dispute with Greece. Now, after locals elected a new mayor, they want him to get on with solving their problems with property registration. Original post Here
Albania Ruling Party Candidate Wins Himara Local Elections
Candidate of PM Edi Rama’s ruling Socialists wins mayoral election in town whose former mayor-elect’s jailing has caused diplomatic tension betwen Albania and Greece. Original post Here
The elections in Himara, Vangjel Tavo is declared the winner
Central Election Commission has reacted after the completion of the counting of votes for the partial elections for Mayor of Himar Municipality. CEC underlines that the vote counting process was smooth and that everything was monitored by the CEC technical staff. Preliminary results for the 36 voting centers: The candidate …
Leonard Duka left in prison by GJKKO
GJKKO left in prison Leonard Duka. Known as one of the characters of the underworld, Leonard Duka was extradited from Belgium to Albania on Friday. It is learned that in the session held behind closed doors, the Duke refused to give any explanation. The head of the clan is accused …
Begaj welcomes the new US chargé d’affaires in Tirana
Not even a week has passed since David Wisner’s departure from the mission in Tirana, the next US envoy arrives in the capital, who will be charged with work at the US embassy. She is Nancy Van Horn, a career diplomat who joined the US Foreign Service in 2007. This …
Albanian Electoral ‘Reform’ Deal Reinforces Main Political Party Chiefs’ Dominance
A deal backed by the ruling party and its main opposition rival to change the electoral code will bolster the two main party leaders’ decades-long stranglehold over Albanian politics, experts warn. Original post Here
Baykar Bayraktar, successfully performed the night flight
For the first time, “Bayraktar” drones have conducted night flights. This type of training aims to train pilots in more difficult conditions, to give operators the opportunity to master the UAV system of these aircraft as well as possible. This training equips pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to …
Gunshots in Shkoder
Gunshots were recorded in the early hours of the morning in Shkodër. According to police sources, around 03.00 am, a person shot in the air in the area of Prek Cali in the Rus neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no injuries, while the police, after the notification and investigations, escorted the …
Arms trafficking to Great Britain, three arrested
The Special Court has set the security measure “arrest in prison” for the 3 people arrested for arms trafficking to Great Britain. In Friday’s session, the court left Abdulla Hoxhaj, Bojken Turtulli and Rifat Avdiaj in prison until the end of the investigation. During the session, they did not give …
Leonard Duka, accused for a murder in Albania extradites from Belgium
Leonard Duka, suspected as the perpetrator of the murder of Santiago Malko, was extradited this Friday by Belgium. The Special Court against Corruption (SPAK) required his extradition since last May when he was arrested un Belgium. Duka required asylum in Belgium, but he was arrested after the exchange of information …
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here