SPAK
Defense lawyer’s scandalous arrest leads to criticism of justice system’s corporativist drift
An Albanian lawyer, Ulian Bajrami, was arrested after a tense courtroom exchange in Elbasan, where he accused the prosecutor of submitting false evidence in a case and vowed to file...
Four candidates qualify for SPAK leadership post
The High Prosecutorial Council (KLP) has approved the list of four eligible candidates for the position of head of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK). They are Adnan Xholi, Klodian Braho,...
Prosecutor General criticizes draft Penal Code as “repressive”
Albania’s Prosecutor General Olsian Çela has sharply criticized the draft of the new Penal Code, calling it “repressive” and questioning both its urgency and the methodology used in its preparation....
U.S. State Department report praises Albania’s growth, notes persisting investor challenges
The U.S. State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate Statement highlights Albania’s steady economic growth as a key factor in attracting foreign investment. The report cites 4% GDP growth in 2024, driven...
Brazil’s Supreme Court issues arrest warrant for Ervin Mata as Albania requests extradition
Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) has issued an arrest warrant for Ervin Mata, one of Albania’s most wanted men, following a request for extradition by Albanian authorities. Mata, a 38-year-old...
Rama launches de facto campaign for Tirana partial elections
Prime Minister Edi Rama has moved quickly after the Tirana Municipal Council voted to dismiss Mayor Erion Veliaj, saying too much time had already been lost leaving the capital “without...
Socialists and Democrats vote to dismiss Erion Veliaj as Mayor of Tirana
The Tirana Municipal Council voted to dismiss Mayor Erion Veliaj from office, with both the Socialist Party (SP) and the Democratic Party (DP) aligning on the decision. Veliaj has been...
Democratic MP Albana Vokshi faces anonymous corruption allegations filed with SPAK
Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi has been reported to the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) for alleged corruption and money laundering in early September, in a case that mirrors the...
Tirana City Council to decide on Erion Veliaj’s dismissal this week
The Tirana City Council is expected to meet in the coming days to initiate procedures for dismissing Mayor Erion Veliaj, following a decision by the Socialist Party National Assembly that...
Albania to hold local elections in Tirana and five other municipalities this fall
Albania’s capital city and five other municipalities will hold local elections this fall. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the decision one day after SPAK sent Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s corruption...