Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says foreign actors fuel Flamingo Revolution protests

For more than three weeks, nightly protests have gathered in Tirana’s central square at 19:00, forming Albania’s largest civic movement since the fall of communism. The demonstrations began over ecological concerns about a government‑approved luxury tourist complex in the protected coastal area of Zvërnec, a project linked to Jared Kushner, the former U.S. president’s son‑in‑law.

Prime Minister Edi Rama attributes the unrest to a “hybrid war” driven by external influences, citing digital manipulation, “paid hackers,” and state‑backed actors, including Iran. He argues the protests are not solely rooted in domestic dissatisfaction. Analysts say Rama’s framing shifts focus from demonstrators’ demands to alleged foreign conspirators. A viral video showing a protester being dragged on the beach amplified the mobilisation, turning an ecological protest into a broader debate on governance, rights, and foreign interference.

The movement, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” reflects long‑standing societal tensions and has drawn international attention, with officials warning of broader regional implications.