Albania protests Trump-family hotel plan for nature reserve

Tirana, Albania – Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Albania's capital on Saturday, protesting controversial plans to build a luxury hotel within a protected nature reserve. The project is reportedly linked to members of former U.S. President Donald Trump's family, including his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Saturday marked the 35th day of continuous protests against the development, with this latest demonstration being the largest since the movement began in late May. Protesters have dubbed their movement the "Flamingo Revolution," inspired by the flamingos that migrate annually to the reserve where the hotel is slated for construction. They argue the project poses significant environmental risks to the reserve and a nearby lagoon crucial for migratory birds.

The demonstrations have become a focal point for citizens frustrated with perceived corruption and a lack of transparency in the Albanian government. Chants demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama echoed through the city. "What started as the 'Flamingo Revolution' has triggered widespread public dissatisfaction," said 40-year-old demonstrator Alketa Ademi. "Lack of transparency, arrogance. Enough is enough, the prime minister must go."

The planned luxury hotel project is estimated to be worth $4.6 billion (30 billion kroner). The developers also aim to transform the nearby uninhabited island of Sazan into an exclusive tourist destination. Sazan Island was formerly a secret military base during Albania's communist era. The plans for the hotel were made public in 2024, with the recent surge in protests triggered by the sudden appearance of barbed wire fences and bulldozers on the beach area in late May.

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What started as the 'Flamingo Revolution,' has triggered widespread public dissatisfaction. Lack of transparency, arrogance. Enough is enough, the prime minister must go.