Tens of Thousands Protest Kushner Development Project in Albania

Protests against a luxury development project involving former U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, intensified in Albania's capital, Tirana. On Saturday, tens of thousands gathered for what AFP journalists described as the largest demonstration since late May, escalating a movement that began as an environmental concern.

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What started as the 'Flamingo Revolution' is developing into broad dissatisfaction among the population.

The "Flamingo protests," initially focused on a planned resort in the Zvërnec nature reserve, a vital flamingo breeding ground, have evolved into a wider expression of public discontent. Protesters are now directing their anger at the Albanian government, citing corruption and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Placards reading "Albania is not for sale" and chants of "Let the boys go free", referring to 19 demonstrators arrested Thursday, highlight the growing public frustration.

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Lack of transparency, arrogance – it is enough! The Prime Minister must go.

Alketa Ademi, a 40-year-old demonstrator, told AFP that the "Flamingo Revolution" is becoming a broad movement fueled by "lack of transparency, arrogance – enough is enough! The Prime Minister must go." The protests have seen significant confrontations; on Thursday, police used tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators who threw objects, resulting in 15 injured police officers and 25 arrests. Critics have accused Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, of leveraging political influence for personal business gain, while the Albanian government has long sought to boost its economy through tourism.

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Albania is not for sale.