Albanian protests demand stopping development on protected lands and resignations from key politicians over corruption and governance issues.
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Protests erupted in Albania starting at the end of May, initially against plans to build hotels on the uninhabited Sazano island and near the protected Vjosa–Narta area, a habitat for flamingos, turtles, and tortoises. These demonstrations, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” have grown into a broader movement expressing discontent with continuous emigration, political nepotism, and decisions made without public consultation. The largest protests occurred on June 20th, involving around 250,000 people who demanded not only an end to tourism projects in protected areas but also the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha. Protests have spread beyond Albania’s borders to cities across Europe and North America under the slogan “Albania is not for sale.” Activists suggest that the protests reflect a desire for a new governance model characterized by transparency and public participation, as many young people consider leaving the country due to various reasons. Concerns about corruption are highlighted by investigations showing that a significant portion of construction projects in Albania were financed with undeclared or illicit funds. The current unrest followed preliminary approvals given to development projects despite stricter environmental laws being passed. Internationally, US senators and civil organizations have voiced support for the protestors, questioning the motives behind certain developments, particularly those linked to J. Kushner’s plans.
