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Former Justice Minister slams SPAK, Prosecutor General, and CEC Head for briefing ambassadors

Published on April 24, 2025
Former Justice Minister and lawyer Ylli Manjani has harshly criticized the heads of Albania’s top legal and electoral institutions after they briefed foreign ambassadors on...

Why is this important: The meeting in question was hosted by the German Ambassador and attended by U.S., British, and French diplomatic representatives. During the event, SPAK Chief Altin Dumani, Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, and Central Election Commission head Ilirjan Celibashi presented findings from their field operations related to election-related crimes. The gathering follows a similar briefing provided weeks earlier to the British Embassy, where the same officials reportedly shared case details and investigative progress.


lora International Airport to open in early May with inaugural Air Albania flight

Published on April 24, 2025
Albania’s newest international gateway, Vlora International Airport, is set to officially open in the first days of May, marking a significant milestone for southern Albania’s...

Why is this important: The airport is expected to become a key hub for tourism and economic development in the southern region, opening access to one of Albania’s most visited coastal areas. Its scale and strategic location promise to transform regional travel and logistics.


Government unveils “Fiscal Peace” plan: a new tax agreement model for Albanian businesses

Published on April 24, 2025
The Albanian government has introduced a new initiative dubbed the “Fiscal Peace” plan, which aims to simplify tax obligations and provide a fresh start for...

Why is this important: The plan is designed to ease the financial burden on businesses, resolve long-standing tax disputes, and reduce opportunities for corruption through simplified procedures and artificial intelligence in tax administration. According to the Prime Minister, this is not an electoral ploy but a substantive effort to build a transparent and fair fiscal environment.


Albania’s mining sector faces workforce crisis as student interest collapses

Published on April 24, 2025
Albania’s mining industry is facing an escalating workforce shortage, as fewer young people enroll in mining-related degree programs. Despite government incentives, including full scholarships, the...

Why is this important: This year, only six students enrolled in the first-year bachelor’s program in Mining Resources Engineering at the Faculty of Geology and Mining in Tirana. Industry insiders warn the lack of new specialists poses serious challenges for a sector that includes nearly 600 active companies across the country. A 2024 report from the Central Inspectorate reveals that the labor shortfall has already forced mining firms to scale back operations or hire older, inexperienced workers — raising safety concerns.


Food prices keep inflation pressure high despite overall decline

Published on April 24, 2025
Albania’s official inflation rate may be declining, but food prices continue to rise above average levels, keeping pressure on household budgets. According to the Institute...

Edi Rama issues apology after controversial remark draws public reaction

Published on April 24, 2025
As the May 11 election draws closer, Albania’s political campaign has entered a more intense and verbally confrontational phase. On Tuesday, during a campaign rally...

Why is this important: The phrase was seen as offensive and discriminatory particularly by parents and advocates of children with autism. While political rhetoric in Albania is often sharp, such language rarely receives public retractions. Rama’s decision to apologize later the same day stands out as an unusual moment of accountability in Albanian political discourse.


Bridging borders through art: Tirana hosts North Macedonia Cultural Week

Published on April 24, 2025
The Albanian capital is embracing the vibrant spirit of its eastern neighbor with the launch of North Macedonia Cultural Week, taking place from April 23 to April...

Much anticipated McLaughlin & Associates survey confirms Socialist lead, dashes opposition conspiracy claims

Published on April 22, 2025
A much-anticipated election survey by John McLaughlin—the pollster known for his work with Donald Trump and strategist Chris LaCivita—has reaffirmed the dominance of Albania’s ruling...

Why is this important: The survey not only reaffirms internal polling by the Socialist Party but also aligns with several other independent polls that have predicted a landslide victory and fourth consecutive term for Rama’s government. Prime Minister Rama has previously praised McLaughlin as an “excellent pollster,” referencing his accuracy during U.S. presidential elections—particularly in predicting a Trump win when most others did not. For the opposition, it now becomes that much harder to maintain its claim that it is on track to win the elections.


Celebrating Ibrahim Kodra: Albania’s most celebrated international painter, born April 22, 1918

Published on April 22, 2025
Ibrahim Kodra, Albania’s most internationally recognized painter, was born on April 22, 1918, in the small coastal village of Ishëm. His life and career took...

Why is this important: Kodra is widely credited with bringing Albanian art onto the international stage. Known for his post-cubist style, he developed a unique visual language influenced by his direct collaboration with Pablo Picasso and interactions with some of Europe’s greatest painters, poets, and thinkers.


Igli Tare emerges as top candidate for AC Milan sporting director post

Published on April 22, 2025
Igli Tare, the former captain of Albania’s national football team and longtime sporting director at Lazio, is now the leading candidate to take over the...

Why is this important: With the 2024–2025 season drawing to a close, AC Milan is under pressure to finalize its sporting structure and begin preparing for the summer transfer window. Tare, known for his sharp talent-scouting and success in building competitive squads at Lazio, is seen as the ideal figure to oversee Milan’s squad overhaul. The club is aiming to have a new sporting director in place by mid-May.