Edi Rama criticizes US Democrats over Albania resort protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has criticized American Democrats, telling them not to use Albania as a venue to seek revenge if they cannot defeat Donald Trump in the United States. His comments follow the 124th consecutive day of the ‘Flamingo Revolution’ protests in Tirana, which began as opposition to a multi-billion dollar luxury resort project supported by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump.

The development projects involve Sazan Island, a former Soviet military base, and a private coastal area near a protected zone inhabited by flamingos and pelicans. Protesters cite environmental concerns and a lack of public consultation as primary reasons for their opposition. The unrest has gained international attention, involving a European Parliament resolution and support from figures such as singer Dua Lipa and the brand Patagonia.

Simultaneously, the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), supported by the EU and US, is investigating allegations that an Albanian businessman falsified ownership documents related to the private land involved in the project. The businessman has denied any wrongdoing.