Thousands of Albanians have staged the largest protest yet in Tirana against a €5 billion luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner. The development threatens a protected wetland, home to flamingos and sea turtles, sparking the 'Flamingo Revolution.' Protesters cite government corruption and a lack of transparency, while Prime Minister Edi Rama vows to proceed. The EU has warned Albania that environmental law compliance is key to its accession.
Albania luxury resort protest
- ▪Thousands of Albanians protested in the capital, Tirana, on June 10, 2026, against a luxury resort development
- ▪Protesters held signs reading "Albania is not for sale" and chanted "New Albania" outside the Prime Minister's office
- ▪The demonstration in Tirana was the largest protest yet against the planned resort
- ▪Critics have raised concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding the development plans designed by foreign investors
- ▪The protests, which originated in the village of Zvernec, have been dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution"
Kushner development backing
- ▪The project, a joint concept of Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump, is expected to cost about 5 billion euros ($5.8bn)
- ▪The luxury resort development is backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump
Environmental protection concerns
- ▪The European Union, which may admit Albania by 2030, has warned the country that alignment with European environmental law is a condition of accession
- ▪The proposed resort is located near a protected wetland that is home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites
Government response
- ▪Prime Minister Edi Rama, in power since 2013, has been criticized for not eradicating widespread corruption
- ▪Prime Minister Edi Rama stated an environmental impact assessment would be completed and the project would proceed responsibly
- ▪Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that the development project will go ahead regardless of the protests
- ▪Earlier in 2026, protests over alleged corruption led Prime Minister Edi Rama to fire his deputy, Belinda Balluku
Story comments
Loading comments…