Government to hike tax on second-home owners
The government plans to impose a higher annual tax on individuals that own a second home. Finance Ministry officials say the measure aims to rebalance the property market and generate...
Over 125,000 visitors choose Gjirokastër in first half of 2025
Data shows that more than 125,000 tourists visited Gjirokastër in the first six months of 2025, driven largely by foreign interest in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Officials report weekend...
Demolitions in Theth hit only businesses, not homes, Rama insists
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the operation in the Theth tourist village removed only unauthorized business structures—restaurants, bars and hotels—built without permits, and spared private homes. Democratic Party...
Captain who died rescuing tourists in Lake Shkodra declared Martyr of the Nation
Arben Anamali, captain of the tourist boat “Buna,” has been posthumously honored as a Martyr of the Nation after drowning while attempting to save two tourists in Lake Shkodra. The...
Rama at Ukraine Recovery summit: “Peace must be Europe’s only future”
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama used his address at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome to call on European leaders to place peace—not just war and reconstruction—at the center...
Wildfires rage across Albania as Lura and Dukat burn for days
Wildfires continue to ravage several areas across Albania, with major blazes still active in Lura National Park, the mountainous region of Dukat in Vlorë, and Zerqan in Bulqiza. Despite days...
Albanian tourism under pressure, American Chamber sounds the alarm
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania has raised serious concerns over the state of the country’s tourism sector, warning that poor infrastructure, environmental pollution, and staff shortages are undermining...
Double parking to be treated as a criminal offense, says police chief
Albania’s State Police will begin treating double parking not as a minor infraction, but as a criminal offense, Police Director Ilir Proda announced on Wednesday, citing serious risks to public...
Construction worker puts Lapaj’s parliamentary bid at risk amid list confusion
Opposition leader Adriatik Lapaj’s chances of entering Albania’s next Parliament are in question after a low-profile candidate from his own electoral list—Zeqir Kordhoni, a former construction worker and invalid pensioner—signaled...
Berisha threatens protests in September as Democratic Party rejects May 11 election results
The Democratic Party is gearing up for a tense autumn, with its leader Sali Berisha vowing to return to the streets in protest against what he calls a “narco-state” following...