Albania experienced 2025 as a year marked by profound losses, as within just a few months key figures from politics, art, culture, media, and religion passed away. Names that for decades shaped public thought and the country’s cultural identity left behind a noticeable void in Albanian social life.
The year began with a major farewell. On January 25, at the age of 95, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Anastas Janullatos, passed away. A central figure of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, he had a broad religious and public influence and was often present in social debates.
In March, politics lost Andis Harasani. The former MP and former head of KESH passed away on March 9 at the age of 53 in New York, after a long battle with a serious illness.
Spring brought significant losses to Albanian art. On April 3, Margarita Xhepa, one of the greatest icons of Albanian theatre and cinema, passed away. She died at the age of 93, just one day after her birthday, leaving behind an artistic legacy spanning more than eight decades. A few weeks later, on May 23, publicist and historian Artan Lame passed away following severe cardiac problems, while on May 24 director Piro Milkani, one of the founders of Albanian cinematography, also died.
June marked the passing of Leka Bungo, a well-known director, actor, and screenwriter. In July, the performing arts lost actress Violeta Sekuj, who died at the age of 94.
The summer and early autumn were marked by consecutive losses. On August 28, actor, director, and playwright Naun Shundi passed away after a serious illness. During the same month, Albanian media was shaken by the sudden death of journalist and analyst Artur Zheji. In September, filmmaker Dhimitër Anagnosti, one of the most important directors in the history of Albanian cinema, passed away. He was followed by the loss of actor Enver Petrovci and later the renowned soprano Luiza Çako.
October brought two events that deeply shook public opinion. On October 30, Dorian Kongoli, the son of writer Fatos Kongoli, passed away, while on October 31 Albania lost former Prime Minister Fatos Nano. One of the most influential political figures of the post-1990 era, his passing was marked by a day of national mourning.
The final blow of the year came at the end of November. On November 26, 2025, singer Shpat Kasapi passed away at the age of 40 as a result of cardiac arrest.
Thus, 2025 closes as one of the darkest years for Albania, taking with it figures who left indelible marks on the country’s history, culture, and public life.