Defense Loan Approved Amidst Protests Over Municipal Mergers
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Albania has secured a significant $302 million loan from the United States to bolster its defense capabilities, a move ratified by President Bajram Begaj. This agreement underscores continued military cooperation and aims to accelerate the modernization of the country's defense sector.
Meanwhile, domestic tensions are rising as residents of Divjaka, supported by their mayor, have launched protests against the Socialist Party's proposal to merge 15 municipalities, highlighting ongoing public discontent with territorial reforms. Separately, the 'Flamingo Revolution' anti-government protests, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, have reached their 66th consecutive day.
In other news, the Vlora Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into illegal construction in Zvërnec, and a 54-year-old man was arrested for allegedly setting a fire that destroyed 400 olive trees in Mallakastër. The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SPAK) is also reportedly tracing assets of a figure named Beqiri, connecting public tenders to properties abroad.