The lavender fields in Kushovo, Gramsh, are a vibrant new tourist hotspot. Painted in striking purple and filled with a relaxing aroma, these picturesque plots are the perfect backdrop for visitors and photographers.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today on social networks a view of the lavender fields in Gramsh, a living, breathing purple postcard from the heart of Albania.

With over 7000 plant species, these account for approximately 32% of the European flora.

The most important export products are sage, oregano, thyme, etc. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media today a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Gramsh, performed at the iconic Pyramid in Tirana.

Rama wrote that the special sounds of the flute of Gramsh are a beautiful heritage of our folk culture.

Gramsh flute is considered an important element of cultural heritage. High in the mountains, shepherds once used the flute as a vital tool for communication and a tender outlet for their emotions. Through its melodies, they expressed longing, joy or loneliness, creating a special connection between man and the surrounding landscape.

The flutes of Gramsh are not simply musical instruments, but they are a symbol of the identity, history and spirit of a community. Preserving and promoting the flute is a central method for safeguarding Albanian cultural heritage. /e.i/a.f/p.s./

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla held today a working visit to the city of Gramsh, where together with Mayor Besion Ajazi, they visited the “AralAgro”, the first olive oil processing factory in the area.

The factory is an investment of entrepreneur Amir Agolli since 2018 and it has received the support of the government. The factory provides raw materials from local farmers, creating a sustainable production chain and generating added value for the local community.

The olive oil produced in the “AralAgro” is already in the local market as a quality “Made in Albania” product.

During the visit, Agolli said that he aims to build capacities and move to a new phase of development, including expanding collection and creating opportunities for export, with the aim of driving local production onto the world stage. Minister Salla praised the investment as a positive example of cooperation between government and entrepreneurship, emphasizing that such projects contribute to the economic development of the area and support for the farmers. /j.p/p.s./

The thick layers of snow have created stunning views, transforming ordinary landscapes into a winter atmosphere, while the autumn season has just arrived.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos of these snow-covered areas highlighting the beauty of Albanian nature.

The northeastern mountainous areas, such as Shishtaveci, Zapodi, Padeshi, etc., were also covered in snow these days after temperatures dropped unusually for this time of year. /j.p/p.s./

Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu stated today that this 9-year school will have European standards, new classrooms and modern premises.

According to Manastirliu, the “Rilindja” school will offer “dignified conditions for 250 students and teachers on the coming new school year, thanks to the investment of the government and the Municipality of Gramsh”.

With the 2025 budget, there will be built or reconstructed around 70-80 basic education schools, with around 1000-1200 classrooms/laboratories. Around 20,000 -25,000 students and 1500-2000 teaching staff will benefit. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

The team is working with high efficiency to contain the fires and limit their spread despite field challenges, including soaring temperatures and difficult terrain.

Operations carried out by the team so far have included 18 aerial sorties using two Black Hawk helicopters, with 359 water drops executed over fire hotspots.

The team began its mission last Monday in the Gramsh forest area and neighbouring regions, following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support Albania’s efforts in controlling the wildfires.

Coordination meetings between the UAE team and Albanian officials are ongoing to devise appropriate plans and accelerate firefighting operations, alongside continued field monitoring to prevent the resurgence of flames.

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The aircraft, operated by the UAE Air Force, are based at the Kuçova Air Base and are actively engaged in firefighting missions throughout Albania.

The National Civil Protection Agency stated that the helicopters are providing critical aerial support to ground teams working to extinguish multiple fire hotspots.

Brigadier General Mudhafar Al Amri, Acting Director of Rescue and Firefighting at Abu Dhabi’s Civil Protection Authority, visited the fire-affected area of Gramsh to observe operations firsthand. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to assisting Albania during what officials have described as an unprecedented wildfire season.

Haki Çako, Director General of Albania’s National Civil Protection Agency, thanked the UAE for its tangible support, noting that the contribution is already yielding results on the ground.

Authorities reported 37 active fire hotspots across the country in the last few horrs, with both ground crews and aerial assets continuing operations to contain and extinguish the blazes.

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Through an urgent evacuation notice, the Ministry of Defense requested that residents of the villages of Ħermenj, Harunas and Zenelas to immediately leave their homes and cooperate with the authorities for a safe evacuation.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Defense, the village of Skënderbegas has already been evacuated.

The situation from the fires in the municipality of Gramsh is rather serious, while residents of seven villages located near the fire centers are currently being evacuated.

Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu was today in the village of Harunas in Gramsh, where the Armed Forces, firefighting teams and local civil emergency bodies are working on the ground to extinguish the flames and evacuate residents.

“200 persona have been evacuated, so far. 4 helicopters of Albanian Air Force and allied forces and will continue to operate until the evening”, said Vengu.

Vengu is on the ground together with Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha and the head of the National Civil Emergencies Agency Haki Çako.

During the last 24 hours, 50 fires have been identified throughout the country, 19 of which are still active. 82 firefighting vehicles and 1080 operational forces have been deployed in the firefighting operations. /m.m/p.s./

In an official statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense said that residents of Kullollas, Bletëz, and Menkollarë villages were urged to leave their homes immediately due to two dangerous fire fronts advancing since early morning.

Authorities have deployed 80 Armed Forces personnel to support local emergency services, which are working continuously to contain the blazes. Aerial firefighting support is expected to begin shortly.

Across the country, 50 fire outbreaks were recorded in the past 24 hours, with 19 still active. Firefighting efforts have involved 82 vehicles and more than 1,000 emergency personnel.

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Presenting the opposition’s Great Albania coalition candidates in the town of Gramsh, central Albanian district of Elbasan, DP leader highlighted the area’s incredible fruit growing potential, promising to double the state budget’s funding for Albanian agriculture if the main opposition wins the May 11 elections.

Berisha called the Socialist government’s treatment of the sector as disgraceful and vowed to raise subsidies from 32 million euros currently to 230 million annually if elected.

“Farmers in Gramsh will receive higher agricultural subsidies. Around 380 000  farmers across Albania receive only 32 million euros currently. This is disgraceful for Edi Rama; only 32 million euros for farmers who employ around half a million Albanians and generate around 20% of the country’s GDP,” Berisha stated.

According to the opposition leader, neighboring countries Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro provide five to eight times more in agricultural support and pledged to increase agriculture subsidies to 230 million euros annually from 32 million euros currently

He also promised full protection of the products of Albanian farmers in the face of import monopolies and unfair competition.

DP leader also promised a series of significant tax cuts from 23% currently to only 10%, adding that the value added tax rate will be reduced to 15% from 20% currently. He claimed that if elected, a centre-right government will also cut the electricity price for business to only six lek per kilowatt from 18 lek currently.

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