Albania and Kosovo face political disputes over major development projects

Political tensions are rising across Albania and Kosovo regarding major infrastructure and development projects. In Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama defended planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec, stating they are aimed at economic development and will increase local property values. Meanwhile, opposition leader Sali Berisha, speaking from the US, claimed his return marks a victory against Rama’s political narrative.

In Kosovo, Prishtina Mayor Përparim Rama has accused the Vetëvendosje-led government of illegally blocking the ‘Urban Island’ project, which is intended to connect the Arbëria neighborhood to the city center. He claims the halt in construction affects 30,000 residents and that the government’s justification regarding cultural heritage was created after the work had already stopped.

Additionally, the Prishtina Municipal Assembly voted 31-13 to grant long-term usage rights for the ‘Tulltorja’ location to promote development, a move strongly opposed by the Vetëvendosje movement. In Tirana, Albania, the Democratic Party criticized a 22 million euro tender for the transformation of Mother Teresa Square, alleging the project threatens the city’s neoclassical architectural heritage and serves clientelist interests.