Tens of thousands of citizens gathered in Tirana on Saturday for the 35th consecutive day of protests, marking what is believed to be the largest demonstration since the movement began in late May. The protesters are opposing plans to construct a luxury tourist resort in the protected Zvërnec area of southwestern Albania, a project linked to Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who acts as a negotiator and advisor for the president.
What originated as an environmental movement has evolved into a broader anti-government revolution. Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing his administration of corruption and criticizing his approval of the Kushner-Trump project. Protester Alketa Ademi told AFP that the movement, dubbed the “Pink Flamingo Revolution” after the migratory birds frequenting the site, reflects widespread public discontent regarding government arrogance and a lack of transparency.
Marching toward the parliament building, many participants carried giant pink flamingos. One group displayed a large concrete cake, symbolizing both Prime Minister Rama’s 62nd birthday and the project’s plan to build over protected ecosystems. In a symbolic act, protesters toppled a bust of the Prime Minister, echoing the 1991 overthrow of the statue of communist dictator Enver Hoxha.
Tensions escalated on Saturday evening when a segment of the crowd marched toward a police station to demand the release of 19 individuals detained during Thursday’s demonstrations. Protesters smashed the station’s windows, and security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons. This violence stands in contrast to the movement’s generally peaceful nature, which has drawn thousands from across the country.
Previous clashes last week saw hundreds of protesters attempt to block lawmakers from entering parliament, leading to 25 arrests and 15 injured police officers after security forces used tear gas and water cannons against those throwing stones and eggs. The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) expressed concern over the situation, condemning the use of force without warning and calling for an independent investigation into the police’s conduct.
The proposed $4.6 billion (€4.02 billion) luxury complex remains a point of intense contention, with investors aiming to transform the uninhabited island of Sazan—a former communist-era military base—into a high-end destination. The project, which was first announced in 2024, continues to face strong opposition from those concerned about the threat to the fragile Adriatic lagoon ecosystem.
