The first club in Albania was founded in the city of Korça on April 15, 1909, under the name “Vllazëria” by the poet and politician Hile Mosi, making it the oldest sports club in Albania. It wasn’t until 1925 that Skënderbeu was established with the name we know today.
Meanwhile, today the “Snow Wolves” come with a new anthem that carries very optimistic notes and strength, giving power to the players and adding weight to the jersey when they step onto the field.
The relationship between music and sport is very important, as both elements convey strong emotions…
A new immigration circular in Greece has raised serious concerns among the Albanian community, as it is expected to directly affect the renewal of residence permits for thousands of migrants. According to expert Edmond Guri, until 2025 Greek legislation followed a more humane approach toward migrants, allowing even those who had lived in the country for many years to apply for residence permits.
However, after that period, there has been a noticeable tightening of policies, especially regarding irregular migration.
In July and August 2025, Greece approved two new laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration. Under these measures, any person without proper documentation who is detained by authorities is initially sent to detention centers and may then face penalties ranging from fines to 1–2 years of imprisonment. Deportation is accompanied by a ban on re-entry to Greece and other EU countries for a period of 5 to 10 years.
Another controversial element, experts say, is that even if a deportation decision is appealed, it can still be executed immediately, while the appeal is reviewed afterward.
The new circular particularly affects migrants who lost their residence permits over the past year. It does not introduce new opportunities to regain legal status for other vulnerable categories, such as individuals with health problems or those who have lacked documentation for long periods.
Reactions from the Albanian diaspora have been strong. Various organizations and individuals have raised concerns about the high legal costs and the growing legal uncertainty faced by migrants.
Currently, around 500,000 legal migrants live in Greece, of whom approximately 140,000 are Albanians with residence permits. Meanwhile, it is estimated that 70,000–80,000 Albanians have lost this status—a figure that remains concerning, even though it is declining. Experts note that difficulties in obtaining documentation, along with more favorable opportunities in other European Union countries, are contributing to the gradual departure of Albanians from Greece.
Guri emphasized that the new circular mainly introduces faster processing for those who already have valid documentation, while offering no new solutions for undocumented migrants. He added that the broader shift in policy reflects a stricter approach by the current government toward immigration.
Selin Bollati, the winner of the fifth edition of Big Brother VIP Albania, has reacted for the first time on her social media after receiving the grand prize.
“Selin’s 120 days…
This is not an ordinary Instagram post, but a thousand emotions gathered into a few words of gratitude. A challenging and emotional journey, a confrontation not only with the people I shared a house with, but above all a confrontation with myself…
with the real Selin who remained true for 120 days, 24/7.
Today’s message is a special thank you. A heartfelt thank you to all those people who on December 19 barely knew Selin, and by April 18 fell in love, became passionate, and turned into my second family.
My audience, my supporters, my admirers—without you, my journey would have had no soul, no light, no meaning. The journey is not measured by the steps you take, but by the hearts you touch…
My journey was not towards the final, but towards myself—and you were my light every step of the way…”
Toni Bollati, the father of Selin Bollati, has given an exclusive interview to Shqipëria Live, where he shared his emotions after his daughter won the grand prize. He also spoke about the long period during Selin’s stay inside the Big Brother VIP Albania house, describing it as exhausting and stressful, especially due to being away from the family.
He revealed that he spoke briefly with Selin last night and said she seemed very tired.
In the final, alongside Selin were Miri, who finished in second place, Mateo in third place, and Rogerti, who was the first to be eliminated.
“February 18th was one of the most difficult nights, full of emotions. I waited for the start of the show with great anxiety. I was emotional the entire time and wanted to watch every detail on my own. It was a huge emotional experience. The period while Selin was in BBV was exhausting and very stressful, and the distance made me feel even more guilty for not being close to the family.
However, everything passed, and Selin reached the final successfully, with triumph.
I also felt sorry for the other contestants. It’s like a championship—someone wins the cup, and the cup went to my queen. I communicated very little with Selin, just last night. She is happy and grateful. She seemed quite tired, but that’s normal—she needs time to recover, meet her family, supporters, and everyone who supported her,” he said.
Baby food jars from HiPP have been urgently recalled from the market in Austria after a sample from one product was found to contain a substance suspected to be rat poison. The case was first reported by a customer who had purchased a 190-gram jar of carrot and potato puree, raising concerns about the product’s safety.
Following the report, authorities and the company ordered the withdrawal of the products from over 1,000 Spar supermarket locations across Austria.
According to official statements, some of the suspicious jars showed unusual signs such as a missing safety seal, a damaged lid, identification labels marked with a red circle at the bottom of the jar, and in some cases an unusual odor of the contents.
HiPP stated that the situation may be linked to external criminal interference in the distribution chain and does not rule out product tampering after leaving the factory. Meanwhile, Spar and HiPP have urged consumers not to consume any jars purchased in Austria and to return them to the points of sale.
The same products are also sold in Albania, both in supermarkets and pharmacies.
The Albanian First Division played six matches this Sunday as part of Round 31. With two games remaining until the end of the season, the first verdicts have already been decided, as Skënderbeu and Laçi have officially secured their return to the Superliga after one year.
Pogradeci and Iliria have also guaranteed their spots in the play-offs. Meanwhile, in the final two rounds, there will be competition for the championship title, the remaining play-off spots, the play-out zone, and survival.
At the Korça stadium, Skënderbeu won 4-0 against Kastrioti, and with these three points, they have created the necessary gap to officially secure promotion to the Superliga for the new season.
At the same time, the race with Laçi for the championship trophy continues.
In Laç, the home team won 2-0 in the direct clash against Pogradeci and, with a six-point lead over their rivals, also secured a ticket to the Superliga. The match in Laç was tense, with fans throwing objects onto the pitch. Myrta for Laçi and Abazaj and Dragoshi for the visitors were sent off with red cards by referee Florjan Lata at the end of the match.
Twelve days after taking the helm of the General Directorate of the State Police, Skënder Hita has signed the first orders for the organization and functioning of the institution he leads.
Through a message shared on Telegram, Hita is reported to have requested the removal of police patrols from national roads and beyond.
According to the order circulated online, the new police chief has received numerous complaints from citizens who expressed concerns about routine stops carried out without a clear legal basis, as well as unnecessary delays these actions cause during travel.
As a result, it has been ordered that vehicle checks for “verification” purposes should no longer be used.
However, in cases where, due to the situation, it is necessary to identify violations in the presence of drivers, it is instructed that a clear action plan for control points be drafted, with sector or traffic police section chiefs leading them.
It is also learned that Hita has requested that, starting from April 10, the practice of stopping vehicles by traffic police under the justification of “for verification” be immediately discontinued.
After Vanesa decided to sacrifice her relationship outside to follow the feelings she had developed for Indri, the situation between them seems to have taken an unexpected and difficult turn.
At first, when Indri asked that they remain just friends, it seemed like a painful compromise, but still a way to preserve some form of closeness between them. However, recent developments show that even this “friendship” has not managed to survive.
In a recently published video, the two appear in a tense, cold, and very direct conversation, where emotions are evident, but the communication remains harsh.
Indri, without trying to soften the situation, addresses Vanesa with a strong statement, telling her that the only feeling he has for her is regret.
He emphasizes: “I have nothing for you, only regret for the situation I’m causing you. I don’t blame you, but I can’t blame myself either.”
These words seem to hit Vanesa hard, as she is seen emotionally affected and somewhat lost, clearly reflecting the disappointment and pain she is experiencing at that moment.
What was rumored during the final night of “Big Brother VIP Albania 5” has now been confirmed with footage! Roger’s harsh reaction after his elimination from the competition (where he ranked fourth) was not just gossip, but a real scene of tension in the corridors of Top Channel.
Recently, the show “E Diell” aired exclusive backstage footage from the finale, where his immediate and furious departure from the studios can be clearly seen.
In the video, which is now circulating widely online, journalist Bledi Mane attempts to approach him to get an interview or his first reaction after leaving the house.
However, Roger, visibly irritated, ignores every attempt, rushing past the journalist, surrounded by staff and people close to him.
Even though Bledi insists, emphasizing that “he loves him too,” the former finalist refuses to stop.
These images reinforce his later statements on social media, where he openly accused the production of being a “political game” and confirm the fact that he refused to take part in the official “Afterparty” with the other contestants.
Selin Bollati, 23 years old, is the winner of the fifth season of Big Brother VIP Albania. She was announced the winner, taking home the grand prize of €100,000. Armir Shahini ranked second after Selin.
A marathon night
It was a long and intense night, also filled with frequent commercial breaks. In the early hours of Sunday, the elimination of the final contestants began.
Before the winner of the fifth edition of Big Brother VIP Albania was announced, Rogert Sterkaj was eliminated from the competition.
As the announcement of the winner approached, Selin, Mateo, and Miri remained in the race, which monitored the marathon TV program.
Shortly after, Mateo Borri was also eliminated. In the end, the final showdown was between Selin Bollati and Armir Shahini, with Selin Bollati being declared the winner.
The pillow is one of the most commonly used items at home, yet it is often neglected when it comes to cleaning or replacing it. Many people keep the same pillow for years without washing it regularly, which can directly affect hygiene and health.
According to specialists, pillows that cannot be washed should be replaced at least once a year. Over time, they accumulate dust, bacteria, and dust mites that are not visible to the naked eye.
Sleeping on an old pillow can lead to various issues such as skin irritation, acne, allergies, and even worsening of asthma.
For this reason, it is recommended to wash pillows regularly or replace them on time to maintain a clean and safe sleeping environment.
Jonida Maliqi has spoken for the first time after her unexpected departure from the TV show “Ferma VIP,” revealing the reasons that led her to leave the competition midway. Invited to the studio, the singer opened up about her experience inside the farm, describing it as far more emotionally challenging than she had anticipated.
She explained that she did not enter the show to play strategically or to “play a game,” but simply to be herself, emphasizing that her authenticity often did not align with the dynamics created in the farm. According to Jonida, the constant pressure and the energy of the other contestants had a direct impact on her emotional state.
“I didn’t play a game, I was more real than ever,” she said, adding that she experienced anxiety during her stay. She admitted that at times she felt overwhelmed and suffocated by the atmosphere, which made her reconsider continuing in the competition.
Another factor that influenced her decision was that she no longer felt at peace in that environment. She made it clear that her mental health and personal well-being were more important than staying in the game until the end.
Jonida Maliqi’s departure came as a surprise to the public, as she was considered one of the strongest and most outspoken figures on the show. However, her interview shed light on a reality often unseen on screen: the intense emotional pressure experienced by participants in reality shows.
With this decision, she chose to prioritize herself, bringing an end to an experience that, according to her, was no longer healthy for her.
A tragic incident has been reported in the Maliq area, where a teacher suddenly passed away after reportedly suffering a heart attack. The teacher is believed to have been around 52 years old and was identified as Alban Bejleri. For years, he showed great dedication to his profession, working in the village of Marjan, a remote area of Maliq, while living in Devoll.
Every day, he walked several kilometers on foot to reach the school, as it was impossible for a vehicle to access the village.
He did this to teach the only three students studying there.
According to preliminary information, after finishing his lesson and while returning to his car as usual, his heart suddenly stopped, and he passed away on the spot. He was later found by village residents, who notified the authorities. Investigations are ongoing to fully clarify the circumstances.
A statement was issued by the Local Education Office of Maliq, expressing deep sorrow for the loss and highlighting his 20 years of experience in education. They noted that he had worked for six years in the villages of the Gorë administrative unit, where he was highly respected by students and the community for his dedication, professionalism, and human values.
“We received with great sadness the news of the sudden passing of our respected colleague, teacher Alban Bejleri, due to a cardiac arrest. With 20 years of experience in education, he was known for his commitment, cooperation, and the values he represented,” the statement read, also extending condolences to his family, including his parents, wife, and children, as well as friends and colleagues.
In an interview, his close friend Artur Vrenozi shared his grief:
“I’ve known Alban for years. When I heard the news yesterday, I couldn’t believe it. When I went to the morgue, I realized he was truly gone. He was a role model. He previously worked at the high school in Bilisht, then in the village of Mjaltëz, and later in Marjan, teaching just a few students.
I have accompanied him myself. In Mjaltëz, he would walk up to six hours; here, at least 3–4 hours. From Bilisht by car, then on foot, just to teach students. A great sacrifice. What he did is rare. He came from a family of intellectual teachers. Even now, as I speak, I find it hard to believe. He had been suffering from diabetes for years but was under treatment. His dedication to educating students was extraordinary.”
On Thursday evening, “Big Brother VIP 5” brought a completely different atmosphere than usual, as the finalists were surprised by the presence of several special guests. Well-known hosts from Top Channel joined the housemates for a special dinner inside Albania’s most famous house, creating not only engaging conversations but also plenty of humorous moments.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the conversation between Rozana Radi and Selina. The host of “Goca dhe Gra,” and also a finalist from the previous BBVIP edition, confronted Selina with a direct question about her life after the show and her relationship with Gimbo.
Selina: “Let’s see what God has in store for me.”
Rozana Radi: “Will you live in Prishtina? I think you’ll live there.”
Selina: “No, I won’t live there. Gimbo and I have talked. My place is in the beautiful city of Tirana.”
Rozana Radi: “How many rooms and a kitchen do you have?”
Selina: “I’ll rent another house (laughs).”
Jul Deda: “Why are you asking her that? Did you go to Librazhd to live there?”
Selina’s response made it clear that, despite her closeness with Gimbo, she sees her future in Tirana.
Census data showed that over the past 10 years, around 16,000 residents have left the Municipality of Korçë (the city plus 7 administrative units). From 76,000 inhabitants, the municipality now counts about 60,000. Meanwhile, the city of Korçë itself has dropped below 50,000, down from 51,000 in 2013, placing it in a lower category of importance.
The massive depopulation affecting the southeastern region, and especially the Municipality of Korçë, is a result of the region’s economic stagnation.
It is enough to compare statistics and several socio-economic factors to understand what has driven this depopulation. According to data from the 2023 Regional Statistical Yearbook published by INSTAT:
The average salary in 2022 was calculated at 50,000 ALL, ranking among the lowest in the country. The average monthly expenditure for basic consumption for a family in 2022 was estimated at 83,014 ALL. Compared to the average salary, these expenses account for approximately 83.5% of a household’s average income.
Depopulation today is closely linked to the lack of fair competition, meritocracy, living standards, widespread corruption at all levels of governance, and above all, the absence of a non-criminalized market.
The depopulation of this region will begin to slow down when wage levels increase significantly, when serious investors and large companies are attracted to create new jobs and professional opportunities with competitive salaries, and above all, when efforts are made to improve the well-being and security of citizens.
