Thousands Rally in Tirana for “Flamingo Revolution” Against Trump Family-Linked Resort in Protected Albanian Wetlands

Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets of Tirana and coastal towns for nearly two weeks in one of the largest sustained protest movements in recent years, demanding the cancellation of a proposed multibillion-dollar luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners and prominently promoted by his wife, Ivanka Trump.

The protests, dubbed the “Flamingo Revolution,” centre on plans for high-end hotels, villas, a marina, and tourism infrastructure in two sensitive locations: the uninhabited Sazan Island, a former Cold War military base, and the Zvërnec/Narta Lagoon area near Vlorë, part of the protected Vjosa-Narta wetland landscape. Demonstrators carry inflatable flamingos and banners reading “Albania is not for sale” and “Hands off Vjosa-Narta,” accusing the government of prioritising foreign elite interests over environmental protection and local rights.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, estimated at €1.4 billion for core components and potentially up to €4–5 billion overall, as a major economic opportunity that would create jobs and elevate Albania’s tourism profile. He has repeatedly stressed that no final approval has been granted, no construction permits issued, and that a full environmental impact assessment is still pending. Rama has described the development as involving world-renowned architects and promised it would include public access and strict environmental safeguards.

Critics, however, argue the project threatens one of the Mediterranean’s last relatively intact wetlands which is a vital habitat for flamingos, sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, and thousands of migratory birds. Environmental groups warn that construction and increased tourism could cause irreversible damage through habitat loss, pollution, and disruption of fragile ecosystems. Sazan Island’s unique biodiversity adds to the controversy.

The demonstrations, which have included some clashes with police using water cannons and occasional arrests, reflect deeper public frustration over governance, transparency in foreign investment deals, and perceived favouritism toward high-profile international figures. Albania granted Affinity Partners special investor status under laws amended in 2024. Albania’s anti-corruption agency SPAK is investigating land transfers and changes to protected area status.

The European Union has expressed concern, warning that the project could impact Albania’s EU accession process if environmental and rule-of-law standards are not strictly followed. Brussels has called for swift completion of required assessments.

The protests erupted after Ivanka Trump publicly described the area as an “unexplored paradise” in a late May interview. Initial construction related activity, including fencing and bulldozers in early May, sparked local outrage that quickly spread nationwide.

Daily demonstrations continue in Tirana, with large crowds gathering along major boulevards. Rama has dismissed some of the criticism as politically motivated or driven by disinformation, while insisting the government remains committed to responsible development.

Affinity Partners and the Trump family have not issued detailed public responses to the protests. Meanwhile, developers maintain that the project will follow responsible environmental practices.