The Council of Ministers has approved two normative acts providing state compensation for businesses damaged during violent protests and introducing new restrictions on public assemblies, with administrative fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 lekë.

Under the new compensation scheme, the state will cover material damage caused by violent acts during demonstrations held between October 13 and 22, 2026. Eligible beneficiaries include private individuals and legal entities operating businesses and registered as taxpayers, with annual turnover of up to 14 million lekë, according to their 2025 annual tax declarations.

The second normative act introduces amendments to Law No. 8773, dated April 23, 2001, “On Assemblies,” establishing temporary restrictions on public gatherings in designated areas.

These areas include public transport stations and terminals, ports, airports, the perimeters surrounding educational and healthcare institutions, and cultural heritage sites. Additional areas may be designated by municipal council decisions, provided they are publicly announced and clearly marked on the ground, particularly where repeated offenses against individuals or property have been documented.

The amendments also address the distribution of messages calling for violence in connection with the organization or conduct of public assemblies, including content shared through social media, email, and telephone communications.

In such cases, the State Police will request the removal of the content and an end to the conduct in question, notifying those responsible that such actions constitute violations of applicable legislation.

The revised administrative penalties range from 10,000 to 500,000 lekë.