Albanians Divided on Whether Diaspora Votes Will Strengthen – or Undermine – Democracy
A compromise agreed between the main parties has opened the way for emigrants to vote in Albanian elections – but some fear the landmark reform won’t benefit democracy as much as people expect. Original post Here
Minister Hasani with his Bosnian counterpart: We support the sovereignty of Bosnia
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, held a meeting in Tirana with his Bosnian counterpart, Elmedin Konakovic. During the joint press conference, Hasani stated that the potential of developing bilateral relations, still untapped, as he added that the reopening of the respective embassies shows the will to intensify the …
Muslims join Christians in criticism of Olympic Opening ceremony appearing to mock biblical scene
TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – Albanian media has been covering the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games for the reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper by drag queens, something condemned by both Chrisitans and Muslims. “This ceremony unfortunately included scenes in which Christianity was …
In surprise move, PM makes key changes to cabinet
TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – In a surprise move at his Socialist Party congress, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes in some of the most important cabinet positions in his government a year before the next general election. Ministers of interior, finance and defense have been sacked and …
The chief prosecutor of Vlora arrested by order of SPAK
The chief prosecutor of Vlora, Aurel Zarka, was arrested by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Journalist Elton Nika reports that the reasons for Zarka’s arrest are still unknown. Meanwhile, two people were detained, one of them a lawyer./abcnews.al […] Read More… Original post Here
Parliament to vote changes in govt tuesday
Parliament will gather Tuesday in an extraordinary session to vote the new members of the government. The session was supposed to be held this evening at 18:00 pm but the President, needed more time to verify the new members of the cabinet and decree them. On the last year of his …
Rama puts everyone in test for a post in the MPs list
Socialists should work hard to earn a post in a list for Members of Parliament as starting this elections most of them are in the hands of the chairman of the party. Prime Minister Edi Rama, called this Monday the meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group where he underlined …
Socialist Party Congress, Rama: Immigrants voting is already a reality
The Congress of the Socialist Party has started, the proceedings of which are taking place in the Palace of Congresses. Prime Minister Edi Rama is keeping his word. “This is an important station in the journey of our party. Not simply that today we will choose the representatives in the …
Rama: I want a spectacular result in the next elections
A spectacular result, Rama asked for the upcoming parliamentary elections, which are expected to be held next year. From the SP congress, Rama said that Albanians should see the SP as a mirror of hope and ambition for the future. The further strengthening of the SP, but also for the …
Rama for the fourth term: To hold the NATO Summit in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that projects such as the blue corridor or Vlora airport will be completed within the fourth mandate of the Socialist Party. In his speech to the Congress, Rama declared that the number of foreign tourists will reach 20 million. The head of the government added …
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