Tirana’s streets were once again flooded with protesters on Saturday as thousands of Albanians marched for the 42nd consecutive night, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and denouncing a controversial multibillion‑dollar tourism development tied to the Trump family.
The demonstrations also targeted US rapper Kanye West (Ye), whose concert in the capital drew sharp criticism due to his history of antisemitic rhetoric and bans in several European cities. Protesters waved Albanian flags and chanted against both Rama and Ye, who met the prime minister before the show. Rama later posted video of the packed concert, giving it a “five‑star” rating.
The protest movement has coalesced around fierce opposition to the proposed $4.6‑billion luxury hotel and resort project planned for Zvernec, an environmentally protected area on the Adriatic coast. Activists warn the development threatens a nearby lagoon critical to migratory birds, and could irreversibly damage one of Albania’s most sensitive ecosystems.
Developers also aim to transform Sazan Island once a secret communist military base into a major tourist destination. The projects have become lightning rods for public anger over perceived corruption, opaque land deals and a lack of government transparency.
The movement has been dubbed the Flamingo Revolution, inspired by the pink birds that migrate through the nature reserve where the resort is planned. Many protesters now carry plastic flamingos as a symbol of resistance.
Critics say there are serious legal concerns surrounding investor land acquisitions, with several local residents claiming ownership through decades‑old deeds.
As nightly demonstrations continue, frustration over environmental protection, governance and alleged corruption has turned the Zvernec project into one of Albania’s most explosive political flashpoints.
+ There are no comments
Add yours