Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Defends Luxury Resort Amid Violent Protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama refused to resign as violent protests erupted in Tirana over a proposed luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner.
Violent anti-government protests have erupted in Tirana, Albania, driven by opposition to a proposed 4-billion-euro luxury resort in the Vjosa-Narta landscape. The project, linked to Edi Rama and Jared Kushner, involves constructing up to 10,000 villas in a formerly protected area. Protesters, calling their movement the Flamingo Revolution, have clashed with riot police, setting fire to banks, businesses, and a police station. Clashes have left approximately 300 people injured, including more than 150 police officers.
Prime Minister Rama has refused to resign, arguing the development will strengthen the economy and that construction decisions will be based on science. He condemned the violence, stating that protesters crossed a red line, and pledged salary increases and bonuses for frontline officers. Rama also attributed the unrest to foreign interference from Russia and Iran via social media misinformation.
The European Parliament has called for the repeal of legislation allowing strategic investors to build in protected zones, warning that the project threatens Albania's EU accession conditions. MEP Tineke Strik accused Rama of using sneaky practices to fast-track construction before the country is legally bound by EU environmental standards. In response, Rama questioned whether citizens prefer the project or EU membership.
