Latest Analysis from Albania
Artists Defend Their Take on Albania’s Battered Image
Albanian artists are brushing off complaints that they are not doing their best to counter mockery of their country in the West.
Albanian Race Row Puts Spotlight on Kadare
A controversy over whether a newspaper was racist in its criticism of the US ambassador has reignited a debate on whether Ismail Kadare, Albania’s most renowned writer, is also racist.
Election Result Dispute Dims Albania’s EU Hopes
A fierce row over the outcome of the May 8 local elections in Tirana is likely to play badly for Albania’s chances of obtaining EU candidate status in the autumn.
Turkish Health Sector Eyes Balkan Market
Turkey has emerged as a key health tourist destination for Balkan citizens unable to access, or pay for, medical treatment at home.
Albania Makes Plans For Opposition Poll Boycott
The Central Electoral Commission, CEC, has taken measures to safeguard the May 8 poll if opposition commissioners abandon polling stations en masse on voting day.
Albanian Parties Vie for Muslim Vote in Election
With the May 8 local polls fast approaching both the opposition and ruling parties are trying to woo practicing Muslim voters.
Campaign Tapes Fuel Media Freedom Row in Albania
Broadcasters are again coming under pressure to air pre-packaged campaign tapes, prompting renewed concern about the blurring of the line between news and propaganda.
Selection Row Follows Albania to Venice Biennale
Some artists complain of a lack of transparency in the choice of an Albanian team for the festival, one of the most important showcases of contemporary art in the world.
Albania’s Vulnerable Roma Left Out of Elections
Unregistered and lacking identity documents, many Roma will not be able to cast ballots on May 8, even if they want to.
OSCE Accused of Ignoring Albania PM’s Campaign Abuses
OSCE/ODIHR observers may be turning a blind eye to the Prime Minister’s party political use of public events ahead of May 8 elections.
Albanian Capital Wearies of Rivals’ Big Promises
As the campaign for the May 8 local elections gets into gear in the key battleground of Tirana, citizens feel distinctly skeptical about the sudden inflation of pledges from candidates.
Albania’s Political ‘Kingmaker’ Faces Election Hurdle
Ilir Meta’s role as maker and breaker of governments faces a test on May 8, when it will become clear whether corruption scandals have robbed support for his Socialist Movement for Integration.
Albania’s Democrats Accused of Fixing Tirana Voting List
With May 8 local elections approaching fast, the Socialist opposition has accused the ruling party of illegally transferring thousands of supporters onto Tirana’s electoral lists.
Socialists See Red Over Albania’s New Parliament
Plans to demolish communist dictator’s pyramid and build pricey new home for MPs on top have leftist opposition crying foul.
Albania Election Hopefuls Seek Facebook Votes
In Facebook-obsessed Albania, no wonder politicians these days look to social network sites to boost their campaigns. But are they missing the point?
