Skip to main content
Archived edition · September 16, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Albania

Albania

News summary for

Go to today →

Pensions 💰

Government Plans Pension Hikes; Property Survey Begins

The government has announced plans to increase pensions in the lead-up to local elections, a move that could significantly impact voter sentiment. Concurrently, the Cadastre has launched a door-to-door survey in 23 Himara villages to tackle long-standing issues of property ownership, with a detailed schedule now made public.

In legal developments, Brazil's Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Ervin Matës, who is accused of international drug trafficking, to Albania, marking a notable step in cross-border crime efforts. This comes as Daniel Lawton, a US State Department official, praised the effectiveness of Albania's Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) in combating transnational criminal organizations. Separately, a court has declared the arrests of 14 protesters near the Prime Ministry earlier this month unlawful.

The 'Mountain Package' legislation is now facing scrutiny from the Constitutional Court, which will hear the case in a plenary session. Meanwhile, anti-government protests persist, with citizens vocalizing demands related to Prime Minister Edi Rama and Belinda Balluku, and a potential march towards parliament being indicated.

Top stories

Government Announces Pension Increases and Property Survey

The Albanian government is planning to increase pensions ahead of local elections, while the Cadastre has initiated an on-site survey in 23 Himara villages to identify and address properties lacking ownership documents, with a schedule for the door-to-door identification now published.

Justice System Developments: Extradition and SPAK Praise

Brazil's Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Ervin Matës to Albania, where he is accused of international drug trafficking. This development comes as Daniel Lawton, a US State Department official, commended Albania's Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) for its effective work and continued cooperation in combating transnational criminal organizations. Additionally, a court has ruled that the arrests of 14 protesters near the Prime Ministry earlier this month were unlawful.

Protests Continue Amidst New Political Challenges

Anti-government protests are ongoing, with demonstrators alleging 'Rama and Belinda in prison' and signaling a potential march towards parliament. This comes as the 'Mountain Package' legislation has been appealed to the Constitutional Court for a plenary session, and a new chapter in the salary conflict between Prime Minister Edi Rama and the justice system is unfolding.

News sources