Albanian Protests Demand Prime Minister's Resignation Over Coastal Development Plans

Hundreds of thousands of Albanians marched in Tirana this week demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the repeal of four investment laws. The protests began over a proposed tourism complex near the Vjosa–Narta ecosystem and have since expanded to include broader grievances about coastal development and transparency.

The demonstrations started on May 23 after residents learned of a residential and tourist project in the Zvërnec area. Dozens of locals and environmental activists tried to remove a fence at the site, leading to clashes with private security guards that were filmed and shared online.

The movement, called the Flamingo Revolution after the birds in Narta Lagoon, operates without central leadership. Students, activists, urban professionals, and diaspora communities in Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Greece have joined the decentralized actions.

Protesters specifically demand repeal of the "Mountain Package," strategic investment legislation, and amendments to the Law on Protected Areas and the Law on Cultural Heritage. They also call for a technical government and early elections.

Wildlife biologist Melitjan Nezaj said three habitat types have already been affected and further construction would disrupt dune systems that take centuries to form. Urban planner Doriana Musai stated the issue involves a pattern of treating protected areas as negotiable territory.

Planning documents describe a 437-hectare tourism complex with major construction on over 250 hectares along a 15-kilometer coastline. The documents have not been fully published, and at least five Albanian shareholders in the ownership structure remain undisclosed.

Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime has announced probes into several coastal investments. The development company, Zvërnec South Adriatic Development, and the Kastrati Group did not respond to requests for comment. Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the projects as necessary for economic modernization and dismissed protesters as unwilling to discuss solutions with institutions.