Why is this important: Voters who backed “Nisma Shqipëria Bëhet” for genuine alternatives have watched those promises unravel into a bitter family feud, accusations of fund abuse and even threats of violence. The ruling not only seals the coalition’s fate but also warns other newcomers that without firm structures, idealistic movements can implode under old-style politics.

Why is this important: Veliaj is the highest-ranking elected official to have been arrested while in office amid Albania’s high-profile anti-corruption campaign. He spent 163 days in pretrial detention without learning the exact charges against him—raising questions about due process, proportionality, and compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Why is this important: The commission was tasked with overhauling legislation across all pillars of government to support Albania’s EU accession talks. Although the opposition boycotted, fearing interference with judicial independence, the “Consolidation of Justice Reform”—the commission’s flagship objective—was deferred to the next legislature. The new parliament will prioritize reviewing these reforms in its first session.

Why is this important: Since the first intergovernmental conference in October 2024, Albania has opened four of six negotiation groups under the EU’s new methodology. EU leaders praise its rapid progress, and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos calls it “a real objective to complete the technical process by 2027.”

Why is this important: About 40 unlicensed structures were built in recent months in Theth’s protected valley, from wooden containers in front of the iconic Catholic church to multi-story cabins placed on concrete platforms. A complaint was filed by the police with the Shkodër prosecutor’s office, but Prosecutor Elsa Gjeli decided not to open an investigation, prompting the Justice Ministry to ask the High Council of Prosecution to investigate the role of the prosecutor in this affair. The episode exposes gaps in enforcement and tests Albania’s commitment to rule-of-law reforms.