Rama: Tourists, increase by 150 percent
Prime Minister Edi Rama says that free coastline will be guaranteed for vacationers regardless of whether the beaches are private or not. Regarding the tourist season, the head of the government said that there was a 150 percent increase in new tourists compared to years. “About 150 percent is the …
Two arrested in Fier for selling narcotics
Two wanted persons were arrested this Friday in Fier. It is about citizens Adis Caka, 22 years old, this citizen was sentenced by the Court of Appeal of Tirana General Jurisdiction, with 6 years of imprisonment (of which he has 1 year, 11 months and 23 days left to serve), …
Inflow of arrivals in the Port of Durres / About 6 percent more than in July 2023
Inflow of tourists to the Port of Durres. As for the passenger sector, there are 230,000 registered passengers entering and exiting the country through the border point of Durrës, during January-June 2024, where an increase of 6% is reflected in the numbers of foreign citizens in our country. An upward …
Accused of corruption/ GJKKO imposes the measure of ‘house arrest’ for the former judge of Elbasan
The Special Court has set the measure of house arrest for Pajtime Fetahun, arrested for corruption. The session was held separately from the others, while it is learned that the former judge has claimed that she is not aware of any of the accusations of the prosecution. /abcnews.al […] Read …
After a Trial and Diplomatic Row, Albania’s Himara Again Elects a Mayor
After Fredi Beleri’s arrest last year sparked a row between Albania and Greece, and caretaker mayors became mired in scandal, the southern Albanian municipality is again voting for new mayor – and perhaps for a fresh start. Original post Here
By Axing Ministers, Albania’s Edi Rama Re-Emphasises His Political Control
After Prime Minister Edi Rama abruptly sacked three key ministers and replaced them with novices, government critics argued that he is further intensifying his grip on his cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party ahead of elections next year. Original post Here
International arms traffic/SPAK issues 6 arrest warrants.
SPAK has issued 6 arrest warrants in response to an international investigation into arms trafficking. Journalist Ermal Vija reports for ABC News that it is about international arms trafficking and an arsenal of ammunition has been seized. So it is learned that the operation is ongoing. “It is about an …
A criminal group trafficked firearm from Albania to Britain, police seized an arsenal of weapons
A criminal group that trafficked firearms from Albania to Britain was hit. during the operation, an arsenal of weapons was seized, consisting of 25 firearms, 24 pistols and 1 Kalashnikov), hundreds of cartridges, lasers that are mounted on special weapons and serve for long-range shooting, and optical equipment. Camouflage clothing …
Tirana, explosion in a construction site
An explosion is reported to have happened during the night in Tirana. The event took place on “Reshit Çollaku” street at a construction site, an explosion was heard, similar to explosives or pyrotechnics. It is learned that there is no material damage and no injuries. The investigative group is continuing …
KLP suspends the prosecutor of Vlora from office. Aurel Zarka is left in prison
The former head of the Vlora prosecutor’s office, Aurel Zarka, will remain in prison until the end of the investigation. On Wednesday, the special court upheld the measure of arrest in prison in absentia for the magistrate arrested for the charge of active and passive corruption and the exercise of …
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