The Albanian government faces mounting public anger over plans to build a €1.4bn mega-resort on Sazan island and the Zvërnec peninsula, backed by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The protests, known as the 'flamingo revolution,' have drawn tens of thousands of demonstrators, including members of the diaspora, who accuse the political establishment of corruption and environmental destruction.
Background of the Conflict
The island of Sazan, a former Soviet-era military installation, holds deep sentimental value for Albanians. Ina Shkurti, a cartographer who grew up in Vlore, described it as 'a small paradise that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Albanians.' The proposed resort, which includes a 10,000-room complex on the Zvërnec peninsula, threatens the Pishë Poro-Narta reserve, a protected conservation zone home to rare birds and endangered species like flamingos, monk seals, and loggerhead sea turtles.
Protest Movement
Protests erupted after bulldozers began clearing forests and dunes in the protected area. Demonstrators confronted private security contractors, leading to violent clashes. A local landowner was filmed being dragged by guards while handcuffed. The movement has since expanded, with nightly rallies outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's office. 'This government no longer represents us,' Shkurti said. 'It has chosen to represent oligarch investors like Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.'
Afrim Krasniqi, director of the Albanian Institute for Political Studies, warned that the government's refusal to engage in dialogue is dangerous. 'The absence of empathy and refusal to find a solution could lead to more radical protest measures,' he said.
Government Response
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as vital for Albania's economy and tourism, calling it 'a blessing' that will create jobs and increase green space by 25%. He dismissed calls to resign, despite criticism from the European Parliament, which urged a halt to construction in protected zones. The EU has linked the project to Albania's accession negotiations, demanding alignment with environmental standards.
However, Rama has supporters. Albert Pushka, a restaurant owner, named his establishment after Ivanka Trump, saying, 'Albania has to grow up and seize this chance.' Elpiniqi Merkuri, head of Vlore's municipal council, believes the resort will boost confidence and optimism.
Environmental Concerns
Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj, who monitors shore birds in the lagoon, warned that the resort would be 'the kiss of death' for local ecosystems. She noted that construction of a new airport has already disrupted ecological corridors and increased predator activity. The project has also sparked anger over perceived lack of transparency, with investors hidden behind a shell company in the Netherlands.
Justina Prenga, a 24-year-old protester, summed up the sentiment: 'We're gen Z and we're saying enough is enough, our country isn't for sale.'
