By Besnik Rama

TIRANA, Sept. 10 — Albanians have gathered outside the government building in Tirana for 102 consecutive days, maintaining nightly protests over a controversial planned resort development in a protected coastal area.

The movement, which protesters have dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” takes its name from rare flamingos that demonstrators say could be threatened by the proposed construction. The development has been linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

More than three months after the protests began, turnout has fallen, but demonstrators continue to gather each evening in front of the government offices. The sustained protests have kept the proposed development and concerns over environmental protection in the public spotlight.

The government, however, has shown no sign of accepting the protesters’ demands.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, who won a landslide victory in Albania’s 2025 parliamentary election, has not indicated that his government intends to reverse its position on the development.

For protesters, the campaign has become a broader challenge over the protection of Albania’s coastline and environmentally sensitive areas, as the country seeks to expand its tourism industry and attract major international investment.

The proposed resort has drawn particular scrutiny because of its location in an area that protesters say is environmentally vulnerable. They argue that development could threaten local wildlife and damage a protected ecosystem.

Government officials and supporters of the project have emphasised Albania’s need for investment and tourism development, while opponents have called for greater transparency and stronger environmental safeguards.

After 102 days, the protests have yet to produce a clear policy reversal. But their continued presence highlights the growing tension between Albania’s drive to attract large-scale tourism investment and demands for greater protection of the country’s natural environment.

With turnout declining but the demonstrations continuing, the movement now faces a test of endurance: whether sustained street pressure can force the government to reconsider the project, or whether the protests will gradually lose momentum without a concrete political response.

For now, the nightly gatherings continue outside the government building, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Besnik Rama is a journalist and commentator on political and social affairs.

CIVIL Today

YOUR SUPPORT TO CIVIL MATTERS.

Support independent journalism, democratic resilience, and the defense of freedom of expression. Help CIVIL counter disinformation, hybrid threats, and authoritarian influence.

Contribute NOW