Local Government Shake-Up: Albania’s Socialists want to merge 28 municipalities into 13, cutting the total from 61 to 46, affecting about 225,000 people; new municipalities would have one mayor, council and budget, with local councils given 60 days to respond before parliament reviews the plan. Health Access: Free basic health checks are extended to everyone over 35 from September, including people over 70 for the first time; the state will also take over the health-check programme in September and dialysis services in November, and the government approved Albania’s first National Oncology Institute. Justice & Courts: Albania’s Supreme Court set a Sept. 15 hearing to review the security measure against Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, while two prosecutors—Rovena Zoto and Ylli Pjetërnikaj—entered the race for Prosecutor General. Economy & Money: Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says Albania is on a stable growth track, targeting 4% for 2026, with stronger tax collection and formalisation; business turnover rose 7% in H1. Tourism Pressure: More apartments are shifting to tourist rentals, pushing up nightly prices and reducing long-term housing supply for families. Diplomacy: Albania and Serbia agreed in principle to open consular offices—Shkodër and Bujanovac—pending final terms. Media Freedom: European Federation of Journalists warns of worsening media freedom and civic space amid the “Flamingo Revolution.”