Blerina Bala has been voted to lead the Municipality of Himara with 16 votes in favor. The other candidate, Pervin Gjikuria, withdrew during the voting process. The meeting to appoint the new leader was held behind closed doors due to tensions, especially when Vangjel Tavo and Blendi Klosi entered the council hall. Bala expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and emphasized the importance of cooperation to achieve the municipality's objectives, particularly in relation to the upcoming tourist season.

On Friday, Albania will continue to experience stable atmospheric conditions and warm southern air masses. The weather is expected to be sunny with moderate clouds in the afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to northwest at speeds of 1-5m/s, increasing to 8-10m/s along the coast and valleys, causing waves in the Adriatic and Ionian seas to reach force 1-2. Temperatures are forecasted to range from 8 to 21 degrees Celsius in mountainous areas, 9 to 27 degrees Celsius in lowland areas, and 12 to 28 degrees Celsius in coastal areas.

The parents of 3-year-old Brian Spahiu, who died following a dental procedure, have requested the exclusion of prosecutor Alma Felaj from the investigation into the actions of dentist Roland Xhaxho. During a meeting with the head of the Prosecutor's Office of Tirana, they presented documents alleging that the clinic was not licensed to provide medical and dental services at the time of the surgery.

Dritan Mezini, a renowned expert in employment and information technology, has unexpectedly passed away. His death is a loss not only to his family and acquaintances but also to the academic world, public opinion, and the country's economy, where he was an innovator and a brave initiator of significant projects. Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his condolences. Mezini had over 27 years of experience and contributed to digital transformation, e-commerce, project management, and human resources. He advised the private and public sectors, led the association of information and communication technology, founded the startup duapune.com, and was involved in EU working groups for modern technology. Mezini was also a public speaker and distinguished trainer in using technology for successful business, both domestically and internationally. He held degrees in Computer Science from the University of Tirana and two Master's degrees from Western Illinois University and Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University in Chicago, USA.

The Democratic Party of Albania has responded to the Parliament's decision to remove the immunity of former Prime Minister and current deputy Sali Berisha. The party's statement emphasized their unwavering support for the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) and the removal of immunity for anyone sought by justice. They accused Prime Minister Edi Rama and Sali Berisha of attempting to block and dysfunction justice, vowing not to be part of their scenarios to escape justice. The Democratic Party reaffirmed its commitment to support thorough, fair, and impartial investigations against all government officials or former officials who have misused the trust of the Albanian people and appropriated their assets.

Albania continues to lag behind in terms of citizen welfare growth, with the latest Eurostat data showing the country at the bottom in Europe for income per capita relative to the size of the economy and purchasing power. Despite a faster-growing economy than the region, Albanian families and individuals are poorer compared to neighboring states, especially when measured for purchasing power income. Albania's income per capita is 34% of the EU average, while Montenegro leads the region with 50%. The Actual Individual Consumption (AIC) indicator, which measures income according to purchasing power, also places Albania at the bottom, alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, at 41% of the EU average.

Albania has experienced an 8.6 percent decline in exports over the past ten months, raising concerns among the Albanian Exporters Association (PEA) due to the rapid devaluation of the euro against the Albanian lek. Businesses, especially in the export sector, are facing the toughest situation in the last 20 years, becoming less competitive in foreign markets. The chairman of PEA, Edvin Prençi, notes that since 2016, the euro has devalued by 35 percent, affecting businesses with contracts in euros. The largest declines were in textiles, footwear, wood, paper, and chemical and plastic products. Anila Golemi, the manager of the shoe manufacturing company FG WALK, states that the devaluation is making Albanian companies less competitive. The ongoing decline in exports could lead to job cuts and business closures, with significant social impacts.

The Socialist Party's parliamentary group has requested the exclusion of six opposition deputies, including Sali Berisha, from the Albanian Parliament due to violent incidents during a plenary session. The request cites specific actions by the deputies, such as lighting flares and causing chaos. The Ethics Secretariat is expected to meet to discuss the request.

Renowned Albanian actor Mirush Kabashi has passed away at the age of 75. His family announced his death, stating that he died after midnight on December 5. Born on April 17, 1948, in Shkodër and raised in Durrës, Kabashi was known for his numerous roles in theater and film, as well as being one of Albania's greatest poetry performers. He had been honored with the title 'Nderi i Kombit' in 2014, among other accolades throughout his career.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint conference in Skopje with NATO's Jens Stoltenberg and regional leaders, emphasized the importance of increasing NATO forces in Kosovo to control the border, which is currently facilitating illegal trafficking activities. Rama proposed a NATO Summit format with the Western Balkans, including both member and partner countries, to ensure stability and accelerate Kosovo's integration into NATO. He criticized hesitations by some EU and NATO countries to recognize Kosovo, calling for more unity and strategic vision in the face of new challenges.

The Special Court in Albania has upheld the security measure of 'mandatory appearance' against former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, in relation to investigations into a 100 million euro sterilization concession. Beqaj, accompanied by his lawyer Ermal Yzeiri, expressed his willingness to comply with the judicial decision despite reservations about the investigative process. He defended the sterilization concession, claiming it saves the Albanian state 2.4 days of hospital stay per patient daily. Beqaj is the highest official accused in the case, with businessman Ilir Rrapaj and his deputy at the Ministry of Health, Klodian Rrjepaj, previously arrested. Beqaj's legal representatives have five days to appeal the decision.

Dritan Rexhepi, head of the 'Kompania Bello' cartel, was arrested on Friday, November 10, 2023, in his luxurious villa in Istanbul with a fake Colombian passport registered under the name Benjamin Omar Perez Garcia. Once a law student, Rexhepi is now recognized as a powerful drug trafficker wanted in Albania, Spain, Italy, and the UK for drug trafficking and in Albania also for the kidnapping and murder of Jan Prenga. He is suspected to be the country's first hitman and has been sentenced in absentia to 25 years in prison for the 1998 murder of two police officers, Arben Keqi and Durim Kasmi. The media worldwide have reported on Rexhepi, comparing him to Pablo Escobar. The Daily Mail writes about the 'Bello Company' as a criminal network led by Rexhepi, who was arrested in 2020 during coordinated raids in Europe and the Middle East. Europol stated the raid was the largest of its kind against Albanian-speaking organized crime. Profits from cocaine are believed to have fueled a gang war in Ireland with at least 18 deaths since 2015. Spanish media in 2011 reported on Rexhepi as a 'master of prison escapes,' with escapes from Durres police in 2007, Pavia prison in Italy, and later in Belgium. He has been using a forged passport with the identity Lulzim Murataj, which led to his arrest in Ecuador, and has not returned to Albania since November 16, 2013.

Expelled deputies of the Democratic Party of Albania entered the Parliament building through windows after clashing with the Guard at the main entrance. They were assisted by colleagues inside who opened the windows. Ervin Salianji, Petrit Doda, and Edmond Spaho were barred from Parliament for 10 days, while Gazment Bardhi, Bledion Nallbati, Edi Paloka, Flamur Noka, and Albana Vokshi were expelled after a physical altercation on October 30. Gazmend Bardhi and Albana Vokshi were ultimately prevented from entering through the windows by the Guard.

The Socialist Party's parliamentary group in Albania intends to seek the exclusion of seven opposition deputies following a physical altercation in the Parliament on Monday afternoon. The incident involved opposition deputy Bledion Nallbati attempting to punch Socialist deputy Vullnet Sinaj during his speech. Nallbati was excluded from the session and later commented on the unsightly episode, stating it was not worth engaging in something that honors no one. This political conflict is not an isolated event, as the Democratic Party's requests have been consistently rejected by the Socialists, who plan to continue this approach. The next plenary session is scheduled for Thursday, with the opposition continuing its parliamentary blockade and the majority passing acts without discussion.

Albania's parliament has approved a 70 million euro loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to assist the state-owned electricity distributor OSHEE. The loan aims to address liquidity issues that have arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A portion of the funds will be allocated to the construction of a new power substation in Tirana. Additionally, OSHEE will receive technical assistance to enhance health and safety protocols, governance against corruption, and to develop a training program for young professionals. The EBRD's assistance will also include a study for a smart grid development roadmap to advance the digitalization of the distribution network. Albania relies heavily on hydro power, with most of its hydro power plants situated along the Drin river in the northern region.

Gjirokastra, known as the museum city, has recorded the highest number of local and foreign tourists this year, choosing it as a preferred destination. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared views of the Gjirokastra Castle on social media, which is one of the largest castles in the Balkans and appears like a ship sailing through fog. The castle extends over an area of 335 meters and is situated on a hill overlooking the city. Over 200,000 tourists visited Gjirokastra and its surroundings this season, with foreigners making up over 80% of this year's visitors, coming from Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, Scandinavian countries, Western and Eastern Europe, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, China, Australia, and others.

Former Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, addressed the media on Tuesday, criticizing the investigation against him as the most political process ever and an attack on the deep reforms he claims to have implemented during his tenure. Berisha accuses Prime Minister Edi Rama of waging a total war against the opposition, which he vows to counter with full force. He emphasizes that the case is not only against him and his family but also against the epochal reforms of the Democratic Party, which he alleges are being attacked by a political crime wave.

Gazment Bardhi, the head of the Democratic Party's parliamentary group, stated that the blocking of the Albanian Parliament's proceedings resulted from the majority's arrogant behavior, which, according to him, does not allow the constitutional rights of the opposition to be respected. Bardhi criticized the lack of parliamentary investigation into health concessions, executive decisions, and interference in the TIMS system, demanded by the opposition. He argued that the opposition is not permitted to propose members for the electoral reform commission and that this battle is to restore normalcy and pluralism in parliament.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met with President Bajram Begaj to discuss the upcoming Berlin Process Summit in Tirana on October 16 and the visit of French President Emanuel Macron. This marks the first bilateral visit of a French head of state in the history of the Albanian state. President Macron will participate in the Berlin Process meeting and conduct his bilateral visit on October 17.

In Tirana, the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Berlin Process began with the reception of delegations. The situation in northern Kosovo and the anticipated encounter between Kosovo's Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla and Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić drew attention. Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani's interactions with his counterparts were notably different, with a serious demeanor towards Dačić and a warm reception for Gërvalla. The tense situation between Kosovo and Serbia is expected to be discussed, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock having announced a meeting with representatives of both countries. The main lines of the Ministerial will focus on regional strengthening, integration into the EU, the Common Regional Market, the Green and Digital Agendas, and accelerating European integration.

In Tirana, a 3-year-old child died due to a suspected overdose of anesthesia at a dental clinic. The child's father, G.S., reported that he had taken his son to the clinic for dental work, where the child was given total anesthesia. After the procedure, the child began to feel unwell at home, and despite efforts by pediatric hospital doctors over two days, the child could not be revived. A 70-year-old citizen, R. Xh., has been detained for investigation.

Two Canadair CL-415 planes are actively working to extinguish a fire in Darëzezë, Fier. The operation, led by the Ministry of Defense and involving 20 MZSH Fier personnel, 40 FA forces, and various equipment, aims to fully isolate the fire. Greece responded promptly to the Civil Protection Agency's request under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, providing an additional Canadair plane. Strong winds have exacerbated the fire's spread, necessitating a significant ground effort to control the flames.

Valer Pinderi, manager and shareholder of Aladini Trade Partner, discusses the challenges and potential of the e-commerce market in Albania. Trust-building is a significant hurdle, with many physical retail companies reluctant to invest in online trading. Pinderi highlights the high informality in the sector, with many online traders operating outside regulatory systems. He suggests that government policies and bank loan guarantees could aid the sector's growth. Aladini Trade Partner, formerly known as Nettrade and restructured after investment from Balfin group, has plans to expand into Southeast Europe and increase its online presence with new platforms and services. The company, inspired by Amazon, has seen sales growth and is looking towards international markets for financing to support its expansion.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed pride in the country's integration of minorities and its advanced European legislation on minority rights. He emphasized that Albania's legislation was developed proactively to be optimal and exemplary, and he stated that minorities in Albania are treated without discrimination, facing the same issues as ethnic Albanian communities. Rama concluded by asserting that no one could lecture Albania on minority issues.

New details have emerged regarding the massacre in Greece where six people were found dead. Contrary to earlier reports of the victims being Albanian, the latest Greek media reports identify them as Turkish. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in Luçë, with five victims in a Ford car and one outside. The car had fake German plates, and the event is suspected to be a settling of scores related to a drug case. Authorities found 25 shell casings and are searching for a black vehicle and a motorcycle.

In Divjakë, Albania, a phenomenon of underage girls getting married persists, particularly in peripheral areas. A recent case from 2024 echoes the satirical work '14-year-old groom' by writer Anton Zako Çajupi. Arianit Arapi, a 34-year-old man, was arrested by Divjakë police for having sexual relations with a 14-year-old girl. The two had been living together since March of the previous year and had a wedding despite the girl's parents' disapproval of the 20-year age difference. Agim Arapi, the father of the accused, claimed that his son had been summoned by the police three times and that the girl had chosen to stay with his son willingly.

The Albanian parliament has approved the new government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, following the Socialist Party's victory in the April 25 general election. The cabinet, which includes 11 ministers and four ministers of state, was endorsed with 77 votes in favor and 53 against. Prime Minister Rama's government aims to focus on Albania's economic recovery from the 2019 earthquake and the COVID-19 crisis, targeting an average economic growth of 4% and reducing public debt to 60% of GDP within four years. The cabinet features new members including Delina Ibrahimaj as the minister of finance and economy. The Socialist Party won 74 of 140 seats in the election, while the main opposition, the Democratic Party, secured 59 seats. Albania's GDP declined by 3.31% in 2020 due to the pandemic, but the total debt stock decreased slightly in 2021.

Jurgen Rigterink, the first vice-president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in an interview with SeeNews, emphasized the opportunity for Albania to rebuild its economy in a greener, more inclusive, and digitalized manner post-Covid-19. He highlighted the EBRD's commitment to supporting Albania in transitioning to a green economy, diversifying energy sources, and improving infrastructure. The EBRD has been involved in solar and wind energy projects and is looking to support further renewable integration and regional market development. Rigterink also mentioned the potential for growth in sustainable tourism and agriculture with the right support. The EBRD is financing significant infrastructure projects, including railway improvements, and is focused on aiding the private sector and small businesses. Rigterink urged Albania to prepare for economic recovery with a reform agenda that includes fiscal reforms, business environment improvements, and infrastructure enhancements to attract investors and benefit from multinational on-shoring trends. The EBRD supports Albania's EU integration efforts, having signed a memorandum of understanding to assist with the EU reform agenda.