This is the news from Thursday 5 December.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has again denied allegations that his brother is involved in illegal activity, as claimed by Democratic Part MP Gazmend Bardhi. Rama, who has sued Bardhi for defamation over the allegations, said if his brother is found guilty, he will step down as prime minister.

Tensions and fierce debates took place in today’s parliamentary session. The opposition requested an interpellation with the Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastriliu, regarding safety in schools after the recent murder of a 14-year-old. The socialist party majority proposed the adoption of a law for the forgiveness of fines for illegal construction, while opposition MPs declared that they had not been previously made aware of this legal initiative.

Pensioners have joined forces with miners in protesting outside of parliament today. Pensioners are askin for an increase in the value of pensions while miners are asking for special status, which would include higher pensions, a lower retirement age, and better protections under the law.

The Special Prosecution in Kosovo has arrested 3 former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Isni Kilaj, Bashkim Smakaj and Fadil Fazliu, former leaders of military units during Kosovo’s war against the Serbian army in the 1990s. The three are accused of obstructing the justice of the Special Court in The Hague set up to investigate alleged crimes related to the Kosovo-Serbia war

For the first time, the works of surrealist painter Salvador Dali will be exhibited in Tirana. Featuring around 100 works by the renowned artist, the exhibition will open at the NAAN gallery and will remain open from December 5 to February 12, 2025.