President appoints new intelligence chief as system fights corruption
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President Bajram Begaj has appointed Esmeralda Hasani as the new head of the State Information Service (SHISH). This follows the recent suspension of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who is currently under house arrest as part of a corruption investigation. The appointment was proposed by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Meanwhile, the justice system faces new scrutiny with reports of a 'collision' between the Albanian government, magistracies, and prosecutors concerning payments, leading to disagreements among judges. Prime Minister Rama also commented on the fight against corruption, stating it was once systemic but is now being actively combated, and noted a shift in the nature of ongoing protests.
Other domestic news includes the implementation of a 6% VAT on food products causing widespread confusion in supermarkets, and a rockslide on the Nation's Road in Kukës due due to bad weather. There is also uncertainty surrounding the potential NATO summit in Tirana, with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi addressing questions about its postponement.