Thousands Protest in Albania Demanding PM Rama's Resignation Over Kushner-Linked Resort

In Albania, demonstrators have once again taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The protests focus on the government's support for a luxury resort project associated with a company linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump. Concerns have been raised regarding environmental impact and land ownership, according to Bloomberg.

The largest gathering occurred on the main street of the capital, Tirana, with additional protesters assembling outside Rama's office. They chanted against the government and blocked the road leading to the government building.

The demonstrations began three weeks ago following the commencement of fence construction and preparatory work near the planned site of the luxury resort on the southern coast. The project is backed by "Affinity Partners," a company affiliated with Kushner.

Protesters rallied under the slogan "Albania is not for sale," urging authorities to halt preparatory activities at the site. Residents and environmental activists argue that the project threatens a protected coastal area that serves as one of the country's most important habitats for migratory birds.

The resort project, connected to the former US president’s son-in-law, has become a focal point of widespread public anger over coastal development in Albania and the approval process for large private investments, Bloomberg reported.

Earlier on Saturday, Rama rejected calls for his resignation, stating that while his government must listen to public dissatisfaction, it "will not surrender control to noise." He added that Albania's goal of joining the European Union would become unattainable if the government changed course based on surrounding circumstances.

Bloomberg also reported that the project is under scrutiny by SPAK, Albania’s specialized anti-corruption prosecution office, which is investigating disputed land ownership linked to the development.

In early June, Rama welcomed the investigation but criticized the freezing of transactions related to investors. He argued that Albania’s anti-money laundering agency had already verified the sources of their funds.

Rama dismissed calls to halt the project, affirming that it would proceed despite angry reactions. During a joint press conference in Tirana with European Council President António Costa, he declared, "There is no chance to stop it as long as I am in office."

The Financial Times reported that on Saturday, Tirana’s streets filled with Albanian flags and paper flamingos as tens of thousands protested against government corruption and Jared Kushner’s plans to build a coastal resort valued at over $4 billion.

Kushner submitted plans for a luxury development on Sazan, Albania’s only large island on the Adriatic Sea, and an adjacent coastal area next to a nature reserve that is home to flamingos. The project inspired a protest movement dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution."

Ervin Kaciu, a sociologist at the Albanian Academy of Sciences, said, "What began as a reaction to real estate developers’ corruption has now turned into a movement."

He added, "This regime has combined all that is wrong in Albania: political corruption, oligarchic rule, and police and mainstream media overlooking criminal activities. People are now fighting the entire system."

Artur Brigo, a shop owner from northern Tirana who closed his store to join the protests, said, "We are a nation united against oligarchy and the political elite. I don’t know what we can achieve, but if we stay silent, corruption will continue forever."

The Financial Times noted that the movement capitalized on deep frustration with the close ties between Albania’s political elite and a few wealthy families wielding extensive influence.

Protesters also waved American flags to demonstrate that their opposition is not against the United States but rather against how certain foreign investments are exploited, the newspaper reported.

Vatos Lubonia, a veteran writer and political opponent who has clashed with Rama for decades over corruption allegations, stated, "These people have controlled power in Tirana, in business, and in the media for decades."

He added, "For them, international relations and deals are just another way to justify clinging to power."

The Albanian prime minister condemned the protesters, labeling them extremists and accusing them of resisting a project he claims benefits Albania. He also accused foreign agents, including those from Iran, of inciting unrest, according to the newspaper.

The Financial Times highlighted that Rama has faced scrutiny, including from the European Parliament, for lifting environmental restrictions in the area to facilitate upscale tourism development desired by investors. Rama dismissed the criticism as misleading, arguing that environmental quality would improve as a result of the investment.