Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya honored in Tirana

Why is this important: The construction of the Murriz Tunnel has been a long and challenging process, marked by delays and technical difficulties. The concession contract for the Arbri Road was signed in 2018, while work on the tunnel began a year later, in May 2019. However, difficult geological conditions, landslides, and engineering challenges caused significant slowdowns. What was initially expected to be a straightforward project turned into a seven-year saga for just 3.7 kilometers of tunnel.

Why is this important: The SPAK strategy is the latest move by the institution to ignite intense political and legal debate over the boundaries of its authority. While some civil society actors have expressed support, the task force—set to deploy prosecutors and investigators in the field during the electoral campaign—has drawn sharp criticism from politicians and jurists who argue it constitutes an overreach into political affairs and an infringement on citizens’ political rights. Prime Minister Edi Rama has openly opposed the initiative, calling it a “lapse in judgment” and insisting that political parties cannot be placed under surveillance during an election period. Others have pointed out that surveillance and prevention fall within the constitutional mandate of the police and intelligence services, not prosecutors.

Why is this important: Both SPAK and the Special Court (GJKKO) reacted to the gathering of Veliaj’s supporters outside their buildings, claiming that such actions intimidate judges and prosecutors. They also accused the police of failing to intervene, while law enforcement responded that it was a spontaneous gathering, not an officially planned protest.