Massive Fire at Tirana’s “5 Maji” Market Sparks Suspicions of Political Diversion and Foreign Interference

 A massive fire swept through the “5 Maji” market area in Tirana on Tuesday evening, destroying more than 50 shops and causing enormous material damage to dozens of Albanian families who depend on daily trade for survival. The blaze reduced entire rows of kiosks and containers to ashes, leaving traders devastated, angry, and full of unanswered questions. While authorities have yet to issue a definitive explanation, growing public skepticism has fueled speculation that this fire may not have been accidental.

Massive fire at the “5 Maji” market area in Tirana

The “5 Maji” market has long been a livelihood hub for small Albanian traders, many of whom were relocated there after construction projects near the “Emerald” shopping center forced them out of central areas. The market consisted largely of makeshift metal containers and kiosks—structures that, according to traders themselves, were impossible to insure.

One of the affected traders, Ferdinant Martaneshi, spoke emotionally to Albanian media about the scale of his losses. Despite owning what he describes as one of the smallest shops in the market, the damage he suffered is staggering.

“I had the smallest shop here. The merchandise alone is worth over 200 million lekë. I sold socks, tights, leggings, clothing. I had one shop, my daughter had two—everything burned completely. There were four containers inside,” Martaneshi said.

According to him, traders repeatedly tried to insure their businesses but were refused by insurance companies due to the nature of the construction. Despite this, they paid extremely high rent—over 517,000 lekë per month for his shop, and more than 1 million lekë for his daughter’s.

Serious Allegations and Growing Distrust

Martaneshi firmly rejected any suggestion that the fire originated from the traders themselves. Instead, he pointed fingers toward infrastructure failures and possible negligence.

“We demand that the state verify this. The fire did not start from us, but because of their panels, their faults,” he stated.

Even more concerning are the rumors circulating among traders and local residents that the land may be targeted for future construction projects. Although Martaneshi says he has no concrete information, he admitted that such talk has been widespread.

“I don’t know anything for sure. Words circulate, but realistically, no one truly knows,” he said.

A Convenient Distraction?

Beyond economic motives, many Albanians online and in independent media circles are raising a more troubling question: could this fire have been set deliberately to divert public attention from recent political developments?

In recent weeks, Albania has seen a wave of high-profile arrests, investigations, and accusations involving senior politicians and powerful figures. Public trust in institutions is fragile, and some observers believe a dramatic event like the “5 Maji” fire conveniently shifts media focus away from corruption scandals and judicial proceedings.

This theory, while unproven, resonates strongly in a country with a painful history of political manipulation. Albanians remember all too well the chaos of 1997, when state collapse, armed unrest, and alleged foreign intelligence interference pushed the nation into near-civil war. Many believe that destabilization tactics—economic sabotage, fear, and distraction—were used then and could be used again.

Foreign Intelligence Shadows: Greece and Serbia?

Another sensitive but widely discussed angle is the possibility of foreign intelligence involvement. Some analysts and nationalist commentators suggest that hostile intelligence circles from neighboring countries such as Greece or Serbia may have an interest in destabilizing Albania internally, especially during periods of political vulnerability.

While there is no official evidence linking the “5 Maji” fire to foreign sabotage, Albania’s geopolitical history makes such suspicions difficult to dismiss entirely. The Balkans remain a region where influence operations, economic pressure, and covert destabilization have been documented repeatedly over the decades.

Silence from Authorities Fuels Speculation

So far, the lack of transparent and timely communication from authorities has only intensified public doubt. Traders complain that no immediate state assistance has been offered, no clear investigation results shared, and no guarantees given for compensation.

For many Albanians, this silence feels familiar—and dangerous.

The destruction of over 50 small businesses is not just an economic tragedy; it is a social wound. Families have lost their only source of income overnight, and trust in institutions continues to erode.

Conclusion: Albania Deserves Answers

Whether the fire at the “5 Maji” market was caused by negligence, criminal arson, political diversion, or foreign interference, one thing is clear: Albania deserves full transparency and accountability.

Independent investigations, public disclosure of findings, and immediate support for affected traders are essential—not only to restore livelihoods but to rebuild public trust. History has taught Albanians that ignoring warning signs can come at a terrible cost.

Until the truth is fully revealed, the ashes of “5 Maji” will continue to burn in the national conscience.