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

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

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

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

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

Edi Rama issues apology after controversial remark draws public reaction

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

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

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

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

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.