Infighting escalates in Democratic Party over vote theft allegations

Published on May 30, 2025
The Democratic Party (DP) is facing a deepening internal crisis following the May 11 elections, as several of its top candidates openly accuse each other...

Why this is important: The conflict signals a potentially major rupture inside the party and adds to the legitimacy crisis surrounding leader Sali Berisha, who already faces calls to resign as well as criticism for bypassing internal primaries and hand-picking loyalists for secure list positions. The infighting now threatens to destabilize PD further, just weeks after its electoral defeat.


In Focus


1. Tensions flare as Parliament reconvenes after May 11 election

May 30, 2025
Albania’s Parliament returned to session Thursday for the first time since the May 11 elections, reigniting political tensions as MPs resumed debate where they left off in March. Why this...

Why this is important: The session was the first face-to-face confrontation between the ruling Socialist majority—re-elected for another term—and a Democratic Party opposition still refusing to accept the election results. The meeting reaffirmed the deep political divide that will define the remaining weeks of this legislature.


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Tensions flare as Parliament reconvenes after May 11 election

Published on May 30, 2025
Albania’s Parliament returned to session Thursday for the first time since the May 11 elections, reigniting political tensions as MPs resumed debate where they left...

Why this is important: The session was the first face-to-face confrontation between the ruling Socialist majority—re-elected for another term—and a Democratic Party opposition still refusing to accept the election results. The meeting reaffirmed the deep political divide that will define the remaining weeks of this legislature.


Albania opens largest veterinary hospital in the Balkans

Published on May 28, 2025
Albania has inaugurated Vet Hospital Tirana, the largest and most advanced veterinary hospital in the region. Designed with state-of-the-art medical technology, the facility is now...

Why this is important: This marks a milestone in Albania’s efforts to modernize its veterinary services and improve animal welfare. With world-class infrastructure and services, the hospital elevates national standards and positions Tirana as a regional leader in pet care.


Toptani Serail to become Tirana’s Ethnographic Museum, Veliaj says

Published on May 28, 2025
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj announced that the historic Toptani Serail (Sarajet e Toptanëve) will soon reopen as the Ethnographic Museum of Tirana, marking a major...

Why this is important: The transformation of the Toptani Serail, a rare surviving example of Ottoman-era architecture in the capital, reflects growing momentum behind heritage preservation in Tirana — and offers a new cultural destination for both residents and tourists.


Berisha after election loss: “The fight begins now, Albanians must be patient”

Published on May 28, 2025
Opposition leader Sali Berisha again rejected the May 11 election results in a press conference, calling them a “farce” and accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s...

Why this is important: Berisha’s refusal to accept the election outcome signals continued political confrontation. His call for early elections and a technical government comes as international recognition of the Socialist Party’s victory grows, isolating the Democratic Party’s position.


No salmonella found so far in Gramsh kindergarten incident, NFA says

Published on May 28, 2025
The National Food Authority (NFA) announced that initial lab results show no presence of salmonella in several food samples taken from Kindergarten No. 1 in...

Why this is important: The incident involved over 70 individuals—53 children and 19 staff—undergoing tests after a suspected mass food poisoning. While three cases have been confirmed, the source remains under investigation. Clarity on contamination is critical for public trust and accountability.


PD appeals Fier election result: alleges vote buying, intimidation, and state abuse

Published on May 28, 2025
The Democratic Party (DP) has officially appealed the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) certification of the May 11 parliamentary election results in the Fier district, filing...

Why this is important: This marks the fourth official PD appeal, underscoring the party’s ongoing refusal to recognize the election results. As the Socialist Party gains broader international recognition for its victory, these appeals reflect PD’s deepening political crisis and effort to challenge what it calls a rigged process.


EU Ambassador to Pristina calls for swift formation of Kosovo government to unblock EU path

Published on May 28, 2025
Brussels needs a partner in Pristina, said EU Ambassador Aivo Orav on Tuesday, urging Kosovo’s political actors to form a government without further delay. Speaking...

Why this is important: Kosovo remains in political limbo after repeated failed attempts to constitute its parliament, hampering progress on critical EU integration reforms. The EU’s demand for a functional government signals growing frustration with the stalemate and raises the stakes for parties dragging out the impasse.


Tax authorities target owners of undeclared luxury cars

Published on May 28, 2025
The Albanian Tax Administration has launched a nationwide operation targeting owners of luxury vehicles purchased in 2023 and 2024 who lack declared income. The action...

Why this is important: Around 400 high-end vehicles have been identified as being registered to individuals who have no reported earnings. The operation signals a broader crackdown on tax evasion and money laundering through undeclared assets.


MPs return to Parliament after campaign trail

Published on May 28, 2025
After nearly two months on the campaign trail, members of Albania’s outgoing Parliament return to legislative work on Thursday, May 29. The Conference of Chairpersons...

Why this is important: This is the first face-to-face session between the winners of the May 11 elections and an opposition that will remain in that role for the next four years. While formal in nature, the session is expected to preview the opposition’s renewed institutional battle against what it claims was a rigged vote.


U.S. Embassy congratulates Albanians on elections, signaling recognition of election results

Published on May 27, 2025
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a brief statement congratulating the Albanian people on the May 11 parliamentary elections, marking the first public recognition...

Why this is important: Although unusually terse compared to past endorsements, the post carries symbolic weight. It adds to a growing wave of international acceptance—especially from the EU and its member states—of the Socialist Party’s victory, further isolating the Democratic Party (DP) and its leader Sali Berisha, who continue to contest the results.


All latest stories


Albania opens largest veterinary hospital in the Balkans

Published on May 28, 2025
Albania has inaugurated Vet Hospital Tirana, the largest and most advanced veterinary hospital in the region. Designed with state-of-the-art medical technology, the facility is now...

Why this is important: This marks a milestone in Albania’s efforts to modernize its veterinary services and improve animal welfare. With world-class infrastructure and services, the hospital elevates national standards and positions Tirana as a regional leader in pet care.


Toptani Serail to become Tirana’s Ethnographic Museum, Veliaj says

Published on May 28, 2025
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj announced that the historic Toptani Serail (Sarajet e Toptanëve) will soon reopen as the Ethnographic Museum of Tirana, marking a major...

Why this is important: The transformation of the Toptani Serail, a rare surviving example of Ottoman-era architecture in the capital, reflects growing momentum behind heritage preservation in Tirana — and offers a new cultural destination for both residents and tourists.


Berisha after election loss: “The fight begins now, Albanians must be patient”

Published on May 28, 2025
Opposition leader Sali Berisha again rejected the May 11 election results in a press conference, calling them a “farce” and accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama’s...

Why this is important: Berisha’s refusal to accept the election outcome signals continued political confrontation. His call for early elections and a technical government comes as international recognition of the Socialist Party’s victory grows, isolating the Democratic Party’s position.


No salmonella found so far in Gramsh kindergarten incident, NFA says

Published on May 28, 2025
The National Food Authority (NFA) announced that initial lab results show no presence of salmonella in several food samples taken from Kindergarten No. 1 in...

Why this is important: The incident involved over 70 individuals—53 children and 19 staff—undergoing tests after a suspected mass food poisoning. While three cases have been confirmed, the source remains under investigation. Clarity on contamination is critical for public trust and accountability.


PD appeals Fier election result: alleges vote buying, intimidation, and state abuse

Published on May 28, 2025
The Democratic Party (DP) has officially appealed the Central Election Commission’s (CEC) certification of the May 11 parliamentary election results in the Fier district, filing...

Why this is important: This marks the fourth official PD appeal, underscoring the party’s ongoing refusal to recognize the election results. As the Socialist Party gains broader international recognition for its victory, these appeals reflect PD’s deepening political crisis and effort to challenge what it calls a rigged process.


EU Ambassador to Pristina calls for swift formation of Kosovo government to unblock EU path

Published on May 28, 2025
Brussels needs a partner in Pristina, said EU Ambassador Aivo Orav on Tuesday, urging Kosovo’s political actors to form a government without further delay. Speaking...

Why this is important: Kosovo remains in political limbo after repeated failed attempts to constitute its parliament, hampering progress on critical EU integration reforms. The EU’s demand for a functional government signals growing frustration with the stalemate and raises the stakes for parties dragging out the impasse.


Tax authorities target owners of undeclared luxury cars

Published on May 28, 2025
The Albanian Tax Administration has launched a nationwide operation targeting owners of luxury vehicles purchased in 2023 and 2024 who lack declared income. The action...

Why this is important: Around 400 high-end vehicles have been identified as being registered to individuals who have no reported earnings. The operation signals a broader crackdown on tax evasion and money laundering through undeclared assets.


MPs return to Parliament after campaign trail

Published on May 28, 2025
After nearly two months on the campaign trail, members of Albania’s outgoing Parliament return to legislative work on Thursday, May 29. The Conference of Chairpersons...

Why this is important: This is the first face-to-face session between the winners of the May 11 elections and an opposition that will remain in that role for the next four years. While formal in nature, the session is expected to preview the opposition’s renewed institutional battle against what it claims was a rigged vote.


U.S. Embassy congratulates Albanians on elections, signaling recognition of election results

Published on May 27, 2025
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a brief statement congratulating the Albanian people on the May 11 parliamentary elections, marking the first public recognition...

Why this is important: Although unusually terse compared to past endorsements, the post carries symbolic weight. It adds to a growing wave of international acceptance—especially from the EU and its member states—of the Socialist Party’s victory, further isolating the Democratic Party (DP) and its leader Sali Berisha, who continue to contest the results.


Former President Ilir Meta and former wife Monika Kryemadhi officially indicted by SPAK for corruption and money laundering

Published on May 27, 2025
The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) has formally charged Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi in connection with the CEZ-DIA scandal, undisclosed U.S. lobbying contracts, and allegations...

Why this is important: Ilir Meta is one of Albania’s longest-serving and most powerful politicians, having held the offices of Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and President. His indictment—alongside that of his former wife and political ally Kryemadhi—marks one of the highest-profile cases in Albania’s anti-corruption efforts.