Tens of thousands rally in Albania against Trump-linked resort project

Tirana, Albania – Tens of thousands rallied in Albania's capital on Saturday, marking the largest protest to date against a controversial luxury resort project tied to former U.S. President Donald Trump's family. This 35th consecutive daily demonstration highlights escalating public discontent over the planned development in a nature reserve on the country's coast.

The project, which includes a luxury hotel linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, has become a focal point for frustrations regarding perceived corruption and a lack of government transparency. Protesters are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation, decrying what they call an opaque process that endangers a vital nature reserve and a lagoon crucial for migrating birds.

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What began as the ‘Flamingo Revolution’ has sparked widespread public discontent.

The movement, dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution" due to the birds' migration patterns to the affected area, has galvanized widespread public anger. "Lack of transparency, arrogance, enough is enough! The prime minister has to leave," stated protester Alketa Ademi, reflecting the sentiment of many who feel the government is prioritizing lucrative development over environmental protection and public interest.

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Lack of transparency, arrogance, enough is enough! The prime minister has to leave.

While daily protests have largely been peaceful, recent confrontations outside parliament have seen police use force, including tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons, to disperse demonstrators. Fifteen police officers were injured, and 25 protesters were detained during one such incident. The Albanian Helsinki Committee has expressed concern over the police's "disproportionate use of force," calling for an independent investigation.

Banners reading "Albania is not for sale" and "Revoke law on protected areas" underscore the protesters' core message. They are fighting against legislation that fast-tracks projects like the estimated $4.6-billion luxury hotel development, which also plans to transform the former communist military base on Sazan island into a tourist destination.

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Individual violence cannot justify the disproportionate use of force.