AGP Executive Report

Political Standoff: Opposition lawmakers set off flares and smoke bombs in parliament, disrupting proceedings as protests demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation enter their third week. Another Tirana demonstration is planned for Saturday. Election Talks: Rama is meeting ministers and Socialist Party leaders as the government prepares the 2027 budget and local elections. Four opposition parties have boycotted President Bajram Begaj’s consultations on the election date, calling them political theatre. Protest Rules: The government has approved tougher penalties, including steep fines for people at demonstrations that turn violent, drawing concern as tensions remain high. Budget and Taxes: The proposed record €10 billion budget includes about €2 billion for public investment and higher pension support. The American Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to reconsider proposed tax rises, warning they could weaken investment and raise costs. Veliaj Transfer: The justice minister has ordered a review of 24 prisoner transfers, including Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s move to Fier, after questions over the process and the secrecy of the transfer order.

Parliamentary Turmoil: Opposition MPs set off flares and smoke bombs in Albania’s parliament, blocked the podium and displayed photos of protesters allegedly injured by police. Four were expelled; lawmakers then passed amendments to the Central Bank law amid weeks of student-led protests demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Veliaj Transfer: Prison authorities say Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s move from Durrës to Fier followed legal procedures, but classified the transfer order as secret. The Justice Minister has ordered a review of 24 prisoner transfers, including Veliaj’s, as Socialist MPs seek answers. Veliaj says he lacks running water and proper medical care; the Ombudsman has visited the facility. 2027 Budget: The government has sent parliament a record €10.2 billion spending plan, including about €2 billion for public investment and increased pension support. Protest Rules: New measures could impose heavy fines on people linked to violent demonstrations and allow travel restrictions in some cases, raising fresh questions as unrest continues.

Election Talks: Four opposition parties have refused President Bajram Begaj’s invitation to discuss next year’s local elections. He must announce a date by November 15, despite their absence. Veliaj Transfer: Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj says his new Fier prison cell has no running water and that he lacks proper medical care and access to his family and lawyer. The Ombudsman has visited; prison authorities have not explained the transfer. Protest Crackdown: As student-led demonstrations continue, the government has approved rules allowing fines of up to 500,000 lek for certain protest-related violations and restrictions on gatherings in designated areas. It has also set up compensation for businesses damaged during the unrest. Corruption Case: Former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku’s investigation is complete and her case is headed to trial. She faces allegations involving corruption, money laundering and nine public tenders worth about €1.2 billion; the charges have not been proven. Fuel and Taxes: The government is considering scrapping the fuel circulation tax, potentially cutting diesel prices by up to 32.4 lek per litre. Business groups, meanwhile, oppose proposed tax increases in the 2027 fiscal package.

Protest Rules: Albania’s government approved tougher assembly rules, including fines of up to 500,000 lek for refusing police orders to disperse and temporary restrictions near schools, hospitals and other protected sites. Police are also investigating 18 people over alleged threats and calls for violence linked to the protests. Political Pressure: Former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has been formally notified that a corruption investigation involving nine tenders worth about €1.2 billion is ready for trial; prosecutors have not renewed a request for her arrest. Economic Measures: Prime Minister Edi Rama says scrapping the fuel circulation tax could cut pump prices by about 32 lek per litre. The 2027 tax package also proposes lower VAT on basic food, but business groups oppose planned increases affecting corporate profits, dividends and tourism. Protest Fallout: The government approved compensation for businesses damaged in Tirana’s violent demonstrations, with payments covering losses from October 13–22.**

Tirana Mayor Case: The Supreme Court has ordered a lower court to hear Erion Veliaj’s challenge over a disputed complaint that helped trigger a corruption investigation. The ruling does not affect the corruption case itself. Protests and Politics: Student-led demonstrations continue amid calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. The government is proposing tougher rules on protests, while Rama has renewed calls for dialogue. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Albania’s economy will grow 3.4% in 2027, but says lowering trade costs is key to helping businesses compete and create jobs. Public Safety: Road crashes rose 6% in the first nine months of 2026, with 1,090 accidents recorded; drivers under 25 were involved in more than a quarter. Infrastructure: The first five-kilometre section of the Kombinat–Ndroq–Plepa road is complete, and work on the next stretch is set to begin.

Political Unrest: Tirana’s anti-government protests continued, with demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and clashes renewing scrutiny of police conduct. Prosecutors are investigating injuries and alleged disproportionate force, while Rama is urging dialogue and proposing tougher penalties for violent protests. Economy: The World Bank forecasts 3.4% growth this year, but rising living costs, emigration and an ageing population remain concerns; income inequality is above the EU average. Tax Plans: A draft 2027 package would cut VAT on basic foods from 20% to 6%, while raising the standard rate to 21% and tourism VAT to 10%. Business groups warn higher costs could hurt investment and jobs. Crime: Prosecutors have sent 17 people to trial over an international trafficking operation involving more than 2.4 tonnes of cocaine and marijuana seized across Europe and Turkey.

Tirana Protests: Student-led demonstrations demanding better education and opportunities have turned violent, with clashes and injuries. Prime Minister Edi Rama says governments change through elections, not violence, while his government prepares tougher protest laws. Police have also been ordered to protect minors in custody and not search phones without court approval. Cost of Living: Albania plans to cut VAT on basic foods from 20% to 6% next year, but raise the standard rate to 21% and tourism-services tax to 10%. Shops will not have to pass the full food-tax savings on to customers. Vlora Airport Probe: Businessman Behgjet Pacolli has left seven hours of questioning by prosecutors investigating the airport project; he was questioned as a person with information, not a suspect, and has complained about changes to the company’s shareholding. Albanians in Serbia: Albania’s foreign ministry congratulated the Albanian Coalition on winning two seats in Serbia’s elections, saying the mandates should help advance rights in the Preševo Valley.

Vlora Airport Probe: Businessman Behgjet Pacolli left SPAK after seven hours of questioning about the airport project. He was questioned as a person with knowledge of the case, not as a suspect, and has complained that company shares were transferred despite court rulings. Protests and Police Conduct: As student-led demonstrations in Tirana entered their 13th day, police were ordered to protect minors, keep officers identifiable and preserve protest footage. The directive also bars phone searches without court approval. Prosecutors are investigating injuries, including a protester seriously hurt by a rubber bullet, and possible disproportionate police force. Protest Laws: Prime Minister Edi Rama is proposing tougher penalties for unauthorised demonstrations, masked protesters and those who refuse orders to disperse. He has also pledged state compensation for businesses damaged in the unrest, while protesters continue to reject his calls for dialogue.

Tirana Protests: Student-led demonstrations entered their 13th day on Sunday, with protesters again gathering outside government offices despite calls to stop the violence. Clashes involved stone-throwing and Molotov cocktails; police used tear gas, and 23 people were arrested, according to reports. Government Response: Prime Minister Edi Rama is proposing fines for violent or unauthorized protests, penalties for masked demonstrators and traffic blockades, and compensation for damaged businesses. He has urged dialogue, but students say they will keep demonstrating. Political Fallout: The unrest has spilled into parliament, where lawmakers scuffled. Authorities identified 127 businesses damaged in Tirana, with losses estimated at €2.15 million; the government has offered tax relief to affected firms.

Tirana Protests: Demonstrators returned to the streets Sunday, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over corruption, jobs and education. They set fire to chairs outside his office that had been placed there to invite dialogue; clashes and damage to public buildings have marked protests this month. Police and Penalties: Police say 23 people were arrested after Saturday’s rally, 13 face criminal proceedings and 30 are wanted. Rama announced tougher measures, including fines of up to 500,000 lek for taking part in a protest that turns violent, and a legal package to punish violence and recover damage costs. Injured Protester: Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the government was arranging treatment in Italy and an air ambulance for a young protester seriously injured during the unrest.

Tirana Clashes: Anti-government protests turned violent again on Saturday, with demonstrators throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails as police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Fires were reported at government buildings, and protesters, police and journalists were among those injured. Growing Pressure: Students and opposition supporters are demanding better education, action on alleged corruption and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Anger also reflects opposition to a luxury development linked to Jared Kushner in a protected coastal area. Rama has offered dialogue and warned that violence will bring consequences. Legal Scrutiny: A Tirana court ordered 27 protesters released and ruled 18 arrests illegal, adding to questions over the police response. Wider Unrest: Demonstrations also took place across Europe; France reported 410,000 protesters and nearly 1,000 detentions.

Tirana Protests: Thousands rallied Saturday as student-led demonstrations joined opposition calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets after some protesters threw stones and fireworks and set fires near government buildings. Authorities say more than 300 protesters and police have been injured during the unrest. Students are demanding lower fees, more education funding and action on corruption; Rama has offered dialogue and warned of consequences for violence. Gaza Mission: Albania signed an agreement to contribute troops and operational support to the International Stabilization Force planned for Gaza, joining Morocco and Kosovo. Albanian Sport: Lara Colturi finished second in the women’s giant slalom World Cup opener in Sölden, just 0.01 seconds behind winner Paula Moltzan.

Student Protests: Anti-government demonstrations entered their 11th day in Tirana, with students rejecting Prime Minister Edi Rama’s calls for talks. Anger over corruption, education costs and poor job prospects has widened the movement; a criminal complaint filed with SPAK alleges more than 180 incidents of police misconduct and calls for senior officials’ actions to be investigated. Political Tensions: Opposition and ruling-party lawmakers scuffled in parliament amid the unrest, deepening the political crisis. Gaza Mission: Albania signed an agreement to join the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, paving the way to send up to 40 troops under the US-led plan; no deployment date has been announced. EU Integration: Albania and other Western Balkan partners agreed with the EU to strengthen research and innovation ties, including through a joint action plan to support regional integration.

Protest Crackdown: Organizations, lawyers and students have filed a complaint with SPAK, alleging an organized effort to suppress protests and intimidate citizens. It cites more than 180 alleged incidents, including excessive force and unidentified officers; the claims are for investigators to assess. Political Standoff: Student-led demonstrations entered their 11th day, with lecturers and health workers joining calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. Parliament suspended six opposition MPs for 60 days after clashes, while 14 others face possible suspensions. Gaza Mission: Albania signed an agreement to join the international stabilization force in Gaza, clearing the way to send up to 40 troops. Economic Pressure: Tirana has identified 127 businesses damaged during protests, with losses estimated at €2.15 million; the government has offered tax relief to affected businesses.

Political Turmoil: Albania’s student-led protests and wider calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation spilled into parliament, where ruling and opposition MPs fought as lawmakers pushed through legislation. The Socialist Party is seeking suspensions for 20 opposition MPs, with parliament’s ethics committee due to review the request today. Rama again offered talks, while the European People’s Party urged leaders to hear young protesters and called for violence to stop and allegations of police excess to be investigated. Business Fallout: Tax officials have recorded €2.15 million in damage to 127 Tirana businesses. The tax authority is easing pressure on advance profit-tax payments as protests disrupt trade and bookings. Investment and Agriculture: A draft investment law would let investors access some adjacent state-owned land without competitive bidding, while a World Bank report says only 9% of a $72.4 million farming project has been paid out, with key irrigation and food-safety work delayed.

Protests and Policing: Student-led demonstrations in Tirana continue, demanding better education support and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. Clashes have left more than 300 people injured, according to reports. A Tirana court ordered 27 protesters released and ruled 18 arrests unlawful. Forty-five rights groups called for investigations into alleged excessive force and arbitrary detentions. Political Standoff: Opposition lawmakers scuffled with ruling-party MPs in parliament as six laws passed without debate. Rama has reportedly asked ministers to seek resignations from state agency heads, though the government has not confirmed the move. EU and Economy: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed Western Balkan EU accession but urged Albania to keep up reforms. Albania’s American Chamber of Commerce warned that continued unrest could cost jobs and deter investment.