Pop star Dua Lipa has voiced support for the 'Flamingo Revolution' in Albania, where tens of thousands are protesting a controversial luxury resort development led by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. The protests have been ongoing for over six weeks after the Albanian government changed the law to allow construction on an environmentally-sensitive Mediterranean island.
Dua Lipa's Statement
Speaking on her Service95 Book Club podcast, Lipa said it was “inspiring to see how much people care” about the country. She added: “The government has opened up this part of a beautiful nature reserve to a high-end beachfront development.” Lipa also raised concerns about transparency, stating: “What I actually find concerning is the principle that the government can just change the law to remove the environmental protection without any kind of public consultation.”
The £1.2 Billion Project
The development, dubbed 'Kushner Island', is a £1.2bn high-end eco-resort planned for the island. The project is backed by investors including Kushner, who has described it as “massive”. The government's law change removed environmental protections for the area, sparking nightly protests by tens of thousands of Albanians demanding change.
Support from Albanian Author
Lipa's podcast guest, Albanian author Lea Ypi, called the protests “one of the most inspiring examples of civic activism since communism”. She also commented on the Trump family's involvement, saying without them: “I don't think anyone would care about what happens in Albania.”
International and Local Reactions
MEPs have called for a halt to the development, warning it could scupper Albania's EU accession plans. Albanian conservationist Aleksander Trajce welcomed Lipa's comments, telling The Guardian: “It was a very powerful statement. A lot of especially younger Albanians, who see her as an idol, have been inspired.” Local officials say development has not yet begun, but some report bulldozers on site, and social media videos appear to show locals smashing equipment. The Albanian government has agreed to an environmental assessment and launched an investigation into the law change.
