Archive
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
85 stories
Politics
Only Politics- GovernmentUniversity union declares open-ended teaching boycott: lecturers to protest daily alongside studentsSPUSH unanimously decided to suspend classes at all public universities from Oct. 21, demanding an end to violence against students and an independent investigation into the use of force.
- DiplomacyUN human rights chief Volker Türk condemns violence at protests in Albania, calls for independent investigationThe UN High Commissioner called on all sides to de-escalate, describing inclusive dialogue as the only way forward.
- PartiesBerisha to branch leaders: PD will compensate convicted protesters 100%, party headquarters is their homeThe Democratic leader promised free legal aid, a medical station and protection for minors, while accusing the government of using inspectors in police uniforms.
- GovernmentRama in Montenegro for the Berlin Process summit: with Merz, Kurti and regional leaders in MiločerThe prime minister will spend two days in Montenegro, where besides the Oct. 22 summit he is expected to meet President Milatović and Parliament Speaker Mandić.
- ParliamentParliament meets Thursday in the shadow of the protests: PD gets urgent interpellation of Minister Ervin DemoThe Oct. 22 plenary session is expected to focus on the protests and the police response, while three draft laws and two international agreements are also on the agenda.
- PoliticsJudges' Association condemns attacks on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, criticizes Rama's language toward judgesJudges raise the alarm over the lack of protective measures by police and warn that statements by the head of the executive risk being perceived as interference in the judiciary.
- ParliamentPD asks Peleshi for an urgent session of Parliament on the student protestThe Democratic parliamentary group wants the session held today or Wednesday, with a single item: the youth protest and allegations of police violence.
- GovernmentDialogue chairs outside the Prime Minister's Office knocked over as lecturers and students reject Rama's invitationRama set out chairs with letters of invitation in front of his office, but protesters tore them up and marched on the Ministry of Education; Salianji calls on the prime minister to resign.
- ParliamentBalla: Students must be heard; PS offers talks on a university “Pact 2.0”The head of the Socialist parliamentary group condemned the violence against police and announced that Parliament will vote Thursday on the agreement with Germany on student dormitories.
- GovernmentRama: We are working on a social media ban for children under 16Meeting with Tirana high school principals, the prime minister said the government is also studying a lower age of criminal responsibility after the violent protests.
- GovernmentTop Channel: Government drafting blacklist that would bar violent protesters from entering the EUAccording to Top Channel, a working group at the Prime Minister's Office is drafting the package Rama announced, under which people identified as violent would be entered into the TIMS system.
Crime & Courts
Only Crime & Courts- Police46-year-old found dead in car in Komuna e Parisit; police: suspected suicideThe incident was initially reported as a targeted shooting, but a pistol and a cartridge case were found in the vehicle; the investigation continues under the direction of prosecutors.
- PoliceEighth day of protest: Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police, tear gas and water cannons, detentions reaching into barsAfter a calm morning march with students and lecturers, the evening on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard again turned into clashes; seven people ended up in the hospital.
- AccidentsTepelena: 39-year-old Italian falls while working at a factory, taken to Trauma Hospital with serious injuriesThe foreign worker, identified by the initials R. Sh., is receiving specialized treatment in Tirana; the circumstances of the accident have not yet been made public.
- CourtsTirana court releases 28 protesters with reporting obligation, three arrests declared unlawfulAbout 300 people have been arrested during the first seven days of protests, most of whom have received the lightest measure; only the most violent cases have been kept in custody.
- PoliceFier: teacher suspected of mistreating 4-year-old at kindergarten, child's mother slaps her; both under investigationPolice say the child shows no signs of violence; the 44-year-old teacher and the 29-year-old mother face criminal proceedings without detention.
- PolicePeshkopi: two Sina residents arrested for hitting two police officers while being taken to the station; 36-year-old with knife also in handcuffsDibra police arrested three people in the act on Elez Isufi Boulevard; the case files were passed to prosecutors.
- PoliceFistfight in Gjirokastra: 20-year-old stabs 43-year-oldThe conflict over trivial reasons broke out near the Kardhiq Bridge; the injured man's life is not in danger.
- PoliceOct. 19 protest: 33 arrested, including 6 minors; 41 others under investigationTirana police report seven officers injured, while the toll from seven days of protests reaches 271 arrests.
- PoliceTear gas and water cannon outside the Ministry of Education; stones thrown at the buildingAfter marching from the Prime Minister's Office, some young people pelted the ministry with stones and entered its courtyard; police moved in to disperse the crowd.
- PoliceTNT in the car of Shushica's administrator: four detained, two reportedly arrestedVlora police also seized a vehicle that will undergo forensic examination; the suspects reportedly came from Tirana.
- CourtsSPAK charges Belinda Balluku with corruption, tender violations and money launderingThe former deputy prime minister appeared again at the Special Prosecution Office, which reportedly extended the investigation until January 2027.
- PoliceDurrës: customs officers find 16,080 euros undeclared in a truck on the ferry to BariThe money was discovered during a joint physical inspection by Customs and the Border Police at the port's second line of control.
- Police44-year-old arrested in Han i Hotit for trying to smuggle three migrants into MontenegroShkodra police caught him in the act with three people of African origin who had no identification documents, near the border crossing.
- PoliceOmbudsman: Phone searches without a court ruling and allegations of violence against detaineesThe preliminary report after Monday's protest finds 18 minors among some 50 people held at police stations and overcrowding in the Security Block.
- PoliceExplosive blast in Ishull-Lezha damages a building's roofThe incident happened around midnight; no injuries are reported, and police are searching for those responsible.
Economy
Only Economy- BusinessMickoski: North Macedonia has two ways to sustain growth, more children or foreign workersAfter Deputy Prime Minister Nikolloski said the country needs 50,000 foreign workers a year through 2030, the prime minister said the need could be even greater.
- BusinessKosovo: AZHB to review rejected wheat subsidy applications, cites “technical error”After criticism that the criteria changed after the deadline closed, the Agency for Agricultural Development says the affected cases will be handled under the 2026 administrative instruction.
- BusinessTirana protests: 80 businesses report damage as tax officials deploy 10 teams to verify claimsBusinesses damaged during eight days of protests are declaring their losses through the “Dëmi im” (“My Damage”) service on e-Albania. For some of them, the reported damage reaches 12 million lek.
- BusinessKelmend residents and two environmental groups sue the state over hydropower plants in VukëlThe lawsuit at the Tirana Administrative Court seeks to halt construction and annul the “Ura e Tamarës” concession and the permits for the existing Vukël hydropower plant.
- MarketsEuro falls below 91 lek for the first time: official rate 90.77, annual decline reaches 6.2%The European currency lost another 33 qindarka in a single day, while last week's unrest has not boosted demand for foreign currency.
- JobsNorth Macedonia: union minimum basket rises to 70,358 denars in October, 926 more than in SeptemberIncluding rent for a 60-square-meter apartment, a family's minimum monthly expenses reach 85,733 denars, according to the SSM.
- MarketsBanks ease lending to small businesses but turn down individuals more oftenThe Bank of Albania's survey for July–September shows growing demand for consumer loans and weaker interest in mortgages.
- BusinessWater utilities weighed down by energy: debt of non-budget customers to OSHEE reaches 21.21 billion lekNine of the 17 water companies failed in 2025 to cover their operating and maintenance costs with their revenue.
- BusinessAudit of North Macedonia's State Lottery: unpaid contributions, 15-year contracts and unlicensed gamesThe State Audit Office issued a negative opinion on five online gaming companies in which the Lottery owns 51%.
- BusinessKosovo: farmers receive decisions and direct payments for 2026 this week, with 33,460 applicationsThe Agriculture Ministry says administrative and on-site checks have been completed; lists of beneficiaries will be published along with the payments.
- BusinessProtests shut 33 bank branches in Tirana and Durrës; economist Sefa: damage up to 10 million eurosSeveral banks announced closures or shortened hours, while customers are being directed to digital channels and ATMs.
- BusinessKosovo municipalities: over 100 million euros went to bailiffs over collective contracts; Gjakova sues the governmentSazan Ibrahimi, director of the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, says up to 30% of the amounts enforced end up with bailiffs and lawyers. The Commercial Court begins hearing Gjakova's lawsuit.
Region
Only Region- RegionFive days before Serbia's election: NSPM poll puts students ahead, US senators call for a fair voteThe “Students Win” list polls at 44.5% against 42.7% for Vuçiq's list. Vuçiq says he will congratulate the winner if he loses, while seven US senators voice concern about irregularities.
- KosovoSecurity Council on Kosovo: US calls for UNMIK to close, Konjufca urges UN membershipAt Tuesday's session in New York, Deputy Prime Minister Konjufca criticized the UNMIK report, while Serbian minister Gjuriq spoke of pressure on Serbs. The EU said Kallas is ready for a high-level meeting.
- MontenegroMontenegro renames Kotor swimming pool and legalizes Morinj plaque; Plenkoviq says other demands remainPodgorica has met two of Croatia's eight demands in the EU accession process. The Croatian prime minister welcomed the step but said Zagreb expects progress on the other issues as well.
- North MacedoniaMickoski on the bar exam: written part in the language of study, oral part in MacedonianNorth Macedonia's prime minister defends the principle of a common language for the justice system, while Albanian students demand that the entire exam be taken in Albanian.
- KosovoU.N. Security Council meets on Kosovo tonight, with Konjufca representing PristinaThe session reviews the Secretary-General's report for March–September 2026; the report is presented by UNMIK chief Peter Due.
- KosovoState Department trafficking report: Kosovo stays at Tier 2, criticism over victim protectionAuthorities convicted more traffickers, but most sentences were below the legal minimum, and children forced to beg still go unidentified.
- DiasporaSeven categories of Kosovars abroad no longer pay for passports and ID cardsThe fee exemption, introduced by the Foreign Ministry, took effect on Oct. 14 and applies at Kosovo's embassies and consulates.
- North MacedoniaNorth Macedonia's prosecutors ask Constitutional Court for urgent ruling on their pay cutsThe petitions have been pending for eight months; prosecutors warn of departures from the system and a negative assessment in the European Commission's report.
- MontenegroMontenegro amends its Constitution: integrity checks for prime minister-designate and ministers before appointmentThe amendments passed with 56 votes on Monday evening; the DPS did not take part in the vote. The step is seen as key for Chapter 23 with the EU.
- Presevo ValleyAlbanian Coalition rally in Samolica: Presevo Valley parties united ahead of Oct. 25 electionLawmaker Shaip Kamberi calls the alliance a political response to Vučić's rule and reminds voters that the list is number 17.
- KosovoKosovo at risk of losing another 90 million euros from EU Growth Plan, with 23 reforms outstandingAfter losing 40 million in June, Pristina has about two months to pass 16 laws and meet the conditions.
World
Only World- Middle EastLebanon–Israel talks in Tampa: six-hour meeting, disagreement over who verifies Hezbollah's disarmamentThe Lebanese delegation called for a halt to house demolitions and Israeli operations; Israel wants a joint operations room with the Lebanese army.
- EuropeZelensky meets Witkoff in Oslo: U.S. restores intelligence sharing, American envoy heads to RussiaThe meeting, organized by Norway and Finland, came at the height of tensions between Kyiv and Trump; Stubb speaks of “real progress.”
- USTrump pledges more than $400 million for Republicans ahead of Nov. 3 midterm electionsThe president says more than $300 million has already been spent on ads and voter outreach, while a Reuters/Ipsos poll puts his approval at 31%.
- WorldNigeria confirms first Ebola case in Abuja as Kenya reaches nine casesThe patient had traveled from Uganda; Nigerian authorities are tracing 44 contacts, while DR Congo has recorded more than 4,000 deaths since May.
- EuropeNATO sends patrol aircraft and radars to the Black Sea after drone attacks on merchant shipsKallas speaks of “six attacks in ten days” by suspected Russian drones; at least 23 sailors have been reported dead or missing.
- EuropeCurfews calm the night in France; Marseille keeps minors off the streets until FridayPrime Minister Lecornu says the targeted restrictions helped the night pass without major incidents, while prefects may announce new measures.
- Middle EastBritain sends Typhoon jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi missilesLondon announces air defense missions a day after a ballistic missile strike in Yemen's Shabwa province killed dozens of recruits.
- EuropeItaly sends 500 troops to Milan after two days of clashes; Meloni: Destroying cities is not protestThe government is expected to give the soldiers police powers, while luxury brand stores in the fashion capital remain closed.
- BalkansNovi Sad students set off on foot to Belgrade for the closing rally before the electionAbout a thousand students and citizens are marching toward Slavija Square, where the Student List holds its final rally on Oct. 22, three days before the vote.
- USTrump: Ukraine needs a different negotiator; ready for a summit with Putin and Xi in ChinaThe U.S. president attacks Zelensky and says a possible three-way meeting would focus on nuclear weapons, while Kyiv warns that this emboldens Moscow.
- EuropeTehran summons German ambassador after Hamburg conviction over plot against Jewish leadersThe diplomatic clash deepens after Berlin accused Iranian intelligence of the plan to kill Josef Schuster and Volker Beck.
Sports
Only Sports- SuperligaWeek 8: Partizani–Skënderbeu at Vora's stadium, Vllaznia–Tirana in Shkodra; Glen Daja bids farewell to DinamoLast-placed Partizani, with 4 points, seek their first win under Karoglan; Bekim Balaj “threatens” his former club ahead of the Klasikja.
- International footballLiverpool come back from 0-2 to beat Villarreal 4-3, Foden hat trick in City's 5-1; 33 goals in one Champions League nightMac Allister scores twice and 18-year-old Ngumoha provides two assists; Napoli win 4-3 against Bodø/Glimt, Atlético held in Stuttgart.
- International footballPSG 4, Barcelona 2: Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz settle the early final in Paris as Barça loses for the first timeThe defending champions stay perfect with three wins from three Champions League games but lose Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia to injuries.
- International footballStavro Pilo scores in Manchester: Albania defender gets first Champions League goal against CityPilo's 52nd-minute goal was AEK's only one in a 5-1 loss in Manchester; the defender has five caps for Albania.
- National teamAlbania U-15 heads to Azerbaijan for FIFA tournament; U-15 girls open with 1-3 loss to LatviaArmand Dama calls up 14 players for five games in three days, while the UEFA Development tournament for girls got underway at the House of Football.
- SuperligaCroatia's Ante Culina to referee Aarhus–Egnatia; champions begin a marathon of five games in 15 daysAfter a 1-1 draw with Midtjylland, Nevil Dede's side plays Thursday in Denmark and Sunday in Elbasan against Dinamo.
- International footballPSG vs. Barcelona tonight in Paris: prime minister guarantees the match amid unrestThe Champions League's top two, with six points each, meet at the Parc des Princes; both teams come in on five straight wins.
- International footballEgnatia head to Denmark: Albania's champions take on Aarhus in the Conference LeagueAfter a 1-1 draw with Midtjylland on their debut, Nevil Dede's side play the Danish champions on Thursday; bookmakers favor the hosts.
- BasketballTeuta crush Partizani 89-62 in Tirana and share the lead with Besëlidhja and VllazniaThe Durrës side dominate every quarter at “Asllan Rusi”; Nazareth Fisher named MVP with 21 points and 18 rebounds.
- SuperligaGlen Daja expected to take over at Elbasani: father and son could face off as coachesAccording to Top Channel, Ilir Daja's former assistant at Dinamo is expected to replace Serbian coach Ivan Gvozdenović, who resigned after a poor start. The official presentation is expected Wednesday.
- International footballPortuguese federation suspends Ronaldo for 30 days and fines him 255 eurosThe 41-year-old striker is punished for leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen without permission after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
- International footballTottenham finally win: Maddison, Marmoush and Davies beat Coventry 3-1Spurs earn their first Premier League win at the seventh attempt, while Kulusevski returns after 526 days out.
Culture
Only Culture- CultureVan Gogh “comes” to Pristina: immersive exhibition at Deep Space runs through Nov. 3The Dutch Embassy and Prishtina Music Conference present the Dutch painter's work through projections, sound and movement; Minister Bogujevci: “We are a small country with big dreams.”
- BooksProust's second volume comes to Albanian: “In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower,” translated by Bashkim ShehuThe Dukagjini publishing house announces the next installment of the “In Search of Lost Time” cycle.
- MusicPeja's “Siparantum” choir seeks 21,000 euros for Prague after municipality cuts its support by 80%The choir, a prize winner in Kuala Lumpur and Herceg Novi, holds a free concert Saturday at the “Jusuf Gërvalla” cinema to raise funds for the “Songs of Europe” festival.
- MusicEslin Kurti ready for Junior Eurovision in Malta as Gonxhja urges Albanians to vote for herThe 12-year-old represents Albania on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Ta’ Qali with the song “Kërce me mua” (Dance with me).
- CultureNET/RRJET in its 14th edition: 12 artists from eight countries exhibit at the Grand Hotel PrishtinaThe EXPOART.40 international exhibition, curated by Zeni Ballazhi, opens Wednesday at the Barabar Centre and runs through Oct. 29.
- MusicMissy Mazzoli's “Lincoln in the Bardo” has its world premiere at the Metropolitan OperaThe opera based on George Saunders' novel brings Lincoln to the cemetery where his son lies; Mazzoli becomes the first woman composer with a world premiere on the Met stage.
- Heritage126 years since Naim Frashëri's death: Academy of Sciences commemorates the national poetThe poet of the National Renaissance died on Oct. 20, 1900, in Istanbul; his work remains a foundation of Albanian literature and education.
- Heritage“Lute of the Highlands” monument damaged in Lezha; Rama: They don't know who Fishta isA group of young people climbed onto the book-shaped monument during Monday's protest; municipal police stepped in to move them away.
- Theater“Nyga” on the Dodona stage: a family's drama in the face of Alzheimer'sValza Gashi's play, directed by Fatbardha Shala, premiered Monday in Pristina as a co-production of Dodona and the National Theater of Kosovo.
- MusicNational Opera postpones this week's performances over events in Tirana; tickets remain validA concert by the “Nova” ensemble, the ballet “Soul Chain” and “Four seasons-one humanity” are among the events moving to other dates.
Opinion
Only Opinion- OpinionA social media ban is no substitute for schoolThe proposal to restrict social media for under-16s opens a necessary debate but risks dodging the key question.
- OpinionThe rule of law starts in the cellThe Ombudsman's preliminary report on people detained during the protests deserves a quick response, not silence.
- OpinionEmpty chairs are not dialogueThe invitation in front of the Prime Minister's Office and its rejection show the same thing: no one is yet building the bridge the students are asking for.