Edi Rama

Albania Opposition to Boycott Parliament Over 'Criminal' MPs

Albania's parliament is again in deadlock over judicial reforms because of an angry dispute between the parties over ridding parliament of people with criminal records.

Opposition MPs tried to stop the parliamentary session on Thursday by throwing eggs towards Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama.

Albania Parties Split Over New FBI-Style Agency

Albania's parliament was split on Thursday over the planned formation of a new body to fight corruption, modelled on the FBI, called the National Bureau of Investigation, BKH.

The new structure will be considered part of the police although it will closely collaborate with the General Prosecutor's office as well.

Albania Pays Dearly for Cherie Blair's Legal Advice

The Albanian government has raised the compensation for legal advice offered by Omnia Strategy in the dispute with US company by 150,000 euros, bringing the payment to a total of 645,000 euros.

No reason was given for the increased payment in the government decision, which was taken on December 28 but published in the official gazette on Tuesday.

Army Joins Flood Relief Effort in Albania

Flooding resulting from heavy rain has blocked roads and caused power outages in several parts of Albania. In the capital, Tirana, the river has overflowed its banks and flooded dozens of houses on the outskirts.

The Coordination Committee of Civil Emergencies said large areas were submerged also in Lezha, Durres, Elbasan and Kuksi, and many families had been evacuated.

Albanian Land Grab Victims Renew Compensation Bid

The former landowners renewed their challenge to the new law after President Bujar Nishani refused to sign it at the end of December, returning the legislation to parliament.

The law, which aims to end the compensation process within the next 10 years by paying out around 363 million euros to former landowners, was passed by parliament earlier in December.

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