President Begaj welcomes NATO Supreme Commander in official visit to Albania

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.