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Serbia diplomatic spat escalates over gambling and corruption.

A diplomatic row has broken out between Albania and Serbia, with Prime Minister Edi Rama responding to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's statements regarding the Ibër River. Rama asserted that rivers follow geographical lines, not diplomatic discussions, and reiterated Albania's lack of territorial claims on Serbia, emphasizing that Serbia lost Kosovo. This comes after Serbia reportedly threatened to divert the Ibër River, triggering strong reactions from Tirana and Belgrade.

Domestically, the government is embarking on a new initiative to legalize online sports lotteries, signaling a potential shift in gambling regulations. Meanwhile, authorities have taken action in Himarë, arresting the head of the Crimes Unit and investigating police officers for allegedly allowing illegal construction. These developments coincide with ongoing anti-government demonstrations, now dubbed the 'Flamingo Revolution,' where protestors are demanding Prime Minister Rama's resignation and vowing to continue their actions.

The country continues to grapple with wildfires, with 25 new fires reported in the last 24 hours and five remaining active across various regions. Efforts to control the blazes are underway, with hundreds of personnel deployed. Concerns also persist over the Vlora Airport project, which is now reportedly at risk of costing hundreds of millions of euros in arbitration due to its failure.

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Albania-Serbia Diplomatic Clash Over Ibër River

A significant diplomatic dispute has erupted between Albania and Serbia. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to statements from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić regarding the Ibër River, asserting that geographical realities, not diplomatic talks, dictate rivers. This follows reports of Serbia threatening to divert the river, leading to strong reactions from both Tirana and Belgrade, with Rama stating Albania has no territorial claims on Serbia and that Serbia lost Kosovo.

Anti-Government Protests Intensify as 'Flamingo Revolution'

Anti-government protests are escalating, now under the banner of the 'Flamingo Revolution,' with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and vowing to continue their actions. These protests have seen peaceful activists reportedly handled roughly by a larger police presence, and a mother of an autistic youth has become a symbol after being exposed to tear gas during demonstrations.

Wildfires Continue Across Albania

Albania is battling persistent wildfires, with 25 new blazes reported in the last 24 hours and five remaining active in various areas. The fire in Krujë, specifically in the Abazë neighborhood, continues to be active, though an elderly man initially arrested in connection with the incident has been released. Hundreds of personnel and dozens of vehicles have been deployed by the Ministry of Defense to combat the fires.

Arrests and Investigations in Himarë Over Illegal Construction

In Himarë, the head of the Crimes Unit has been arrested for allegedly permitting the construction of a five-story building without a permit. This incident is linked to the demolition of another building due to illegal construction, which has also led to an investigation into four police officers for abuse of duty. Three officials from the Urban Planning and Inspection Agency (IMT) are also wanted in connection with the case.

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