Albania sees month‑long protests demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over Kushner‑linked resort project

For more than a month, tens of thousands of Albanians have gathered daily in Tirana in what protesters call the “flamingo revolution.” Demonstrations, now in their 35th‑38th consecutive day, target a luxury tourism complex slated for the protected Zvernec lagoon and the uninhabited Sazan island. The $4.6 billion project is backed by Affinity Partners, a firm owned by Jared Kushner, son‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Protesters demand Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, greater transparency and an end to what they describe as corruption. Symbolic items – a wooden coffin, a concrete “birthday cake” with a prison‑cell motif, and large pink flamingo dolls – have been displayed in front of the prime‑minister’s office. A protester, Alketa Ademi, quoted to AFP said: “Albania is not for sale; the lack of transparency and arrogance must end, the prime minister must go.”

Police have responded with water‑cannons, tear‑gas and batons. Fifteen officers were reported injured and about 15 protesters remain detained after 25 arrests. Opposition leader Sali Berisha publicly backed the demonstrators, calling for Rama’s resignation and linking the protests to the historic 20 February 1991 uprising.

Human‑rights groups, including the Albanian Helsinki Committee, have condemned the use of force and called for an independent investigation. The movement has drawn participants from across Albania and the diaspora, maintaining pressure on the government despite repeated calls for dialogue from officials.