Mayor Erion Veliaj’s claims that PM Edi Rama used a minister to try to exert pressure on him have prompted civil society organisations to demand a thorough investigation.

More than 200 minors have been arrested or charged amid protests in Albania, while the Ombudsperson and rights organisations report allegations of police violence and breaches of safeguards designed to protect children.

Edi Rama described some of the student protesters involved in unrest in Tirana as extremists who have been manipulated by foreign powers, causing critics to warn that such harsh rhetoric may further inflame tensions.

As Prime Minister Edi Rama rules out resignation in response to violent protests, a political solution is needed to calm the unrest, experts argue.

While addressing widely-held concerns about pretrial detention measures, a bill to rewrite a big chunk of Albania’s Code of Criminal Procedure has been met with consternation among judges, prosecutors and civil society groups worried it will ‘neuter’ a key anti-corruption body none too popular with PM Edi Rama.

Thousands of hectares burned in wildfires this summer in Albania, demonstrating the state’s lack of readiness and coordination to confront the challenge, experts say. With climate change, the risks are growing.

Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities having shrinking, elderly communities.

Nearly a year after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI chatbot as a ‘virtual minister’ in his cabinet to tackle corruption, has the technology been a success?

The European Commission this week urged Albania’s premier to repeal controversial amendments to environmental and investment legislation in order to conserve nature and wildlife - but in parliament, the ruling majority is blocking opposition initiatives to achieve this.

In confronting an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests, Albania’s prime minister is trying to discredit those taking part and deflect attention from their legitimate grievances. The strategy may yet backfire.

Protests intensify against planned upscale resort in protected area, linked to Trump's son-in-law – which Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly defended.