TIRANA, December 31 – During 2025, Albania lost well-known figures from politics, culture, arts, and media, whose work shaped public life for decades.

On January 25, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania Anastas Janullatos passed away after long health complications. He rebuilt and revitalized the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania following the fall of the atheist regime.

Later, on March 9, former Socialist Party lawmaker Andis Harasani passed away at the age of 54. He previously led the Albanian Power Corporation from 2002 to 2005 and served as a member of parliament from 2005 to 2009.

On April 3, actress Margarita Xhepa passed away one day after her 93rd birthday. She created more than 150 theater roles and 32 film roles and remained an iconic figure of Albanian stage and cinema.

In May, Albania lost several cultural figures. On May 23, publicist and historian Artan Lame passed away in Germany following heart complications. One day later, film director Pirro Milkani passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in Albanian cinema.

Meanwhile, on June 11, director and screenwriter Leka Bungo passed away at the age of 81. He contributed extensively to theater, film, television, and public broadcasting leadership.

On August 28, actor, director, and playwright Naun Shundi passed away after illness. He founded Albania’s first private theater and remained active in the performing arts for over four decades.

Later, journalist and analyst Artur Zheji passed away on September 29 at the age of 64. He previously led Albanian Radio and Television and the Albanian Telegraphic Agency and remained a prominent media voice.

On October 31, former Prime Minister Fatos Nano passed away at the age of 73 following serious health problems. He served five terms as prime minister and led the Socialist Party for more than 14 years.

In the cultural sphere, soprano Luiza Papa Çako passed away on September 29, while singer Shpat Kasapi passed away on November 26 at the age of 40. On December 22, singer Shemsi Krasniqi of the group “Ilirët” [The Illyrians] also passed away.

Together, these losses marked a significant year of farewell to influential figures who left a lasting imprint on Albania’s political, cultural, and public life.

/a.p./