A growing wave of protests in Albania over a planned luxury resort development backed by Jared Kushner has escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement, with tens of thousands of demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama amid allegations of corruption and government favoritism.
Anti-government uprising
The demonstrations initially began as environmental protests targeting a proposed luxury resort project on Sazan Island, a protected coastal area in Albania. The development is tied to a company that includes investors Kushner and Ivanka Trump, sparking backlash from activists concerned about environmental destruction and the government’s handling of the approval process.
However, what began as opposition to the resort has rapidly evolved into one of Albania’s largest anti-government uprisings in years, with protesters accusing Rama’s administration of putting wealthy foreign investors ahead of public interests and environmental protections.
“This government no longer represents us,” Ina Shkurti, whose family emigrated from Albania to the U.S. when she was 11 years old, told The Guardian. “It has chosen to represent oligarch investors like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. These protests are not going to stop, even if they’re no longer exclusively about them.”
Calls for Sali Berisha to step aside
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital city of Tirana as the movement, now being called the “Flamingo Revolution” by supporters, expanded beyond environmental groups to include students, civil society organizations and members of the Albanian diaspora. The name references concerns over local bird habitats that critics say could be threatened by the development.
As anger has intensified, protesters have increasingly turned their criticism toward Albania’s broader political establishment, with some calling for both Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha to step aside.
Rama has downplayed the unrest, dismissing the demonstrations as overblown “hysteria” and arguing that international media coverage has exaggerated public opposition while spreading misinformation about a project still under review.
Defending the project
In response to criticism surrounding the resort development, the chair of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC defended the project in a public statement.
“For four years, we have worked toward creating a world-class destination on the Albanian coast — one rooted in thoughtful design, environmental stewardship and long-term economic opportunity. Our goal is simple: celebrate Albania’s natural beauty, create jobs and build something future generations can be proud of. Its future will ultimately be determined by Albania and the Albanian people,” the statement reads.
Reuters footage showed crowds carrying signs demanding state power over individual power, while chants of “Rama ik” — meaning “Rama resign” — echoed through the streets.