Protesters in Albania oppose coastal development linked to Jared Kushner

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered each evening in Tirana to oppose a luxury resort and coastal development near the Narta Lagoon and the island of Sazan. The project includes a small resort on the uninhabited island and construction in the adjacent lagoon area, a wildlife reserve visited by wetland species.

Protesters carry cardboard flamingo cut-outs and have adopted the name "Flamingo Revolution" for the movement. Organizers say the nightly marches focus on preserving the area's habitat and demanding greater transparency in land-use decisions.

Artist organizes protest materials Fatma Paja, 28, creates the flamingo cut-outs used at the rallies and leads chants through a loudspeaker. She told The Associated Press that she uses art to highlight perceived injustices and organizes drawing activities for children so parents can attend.

Paja said the project lacks legal basis and has not been supported by environmental studies. She expressed optimism that the demonstrations have encouraged public participation independent of political parties.

Former tour guide leads crowds Arben Kola, 46, a tour guide for more than a decade, joined the protests early and now addresses crowds through a loudspeaker. He said work has already begun clearing land inside the nature reserve using excavators and heavy machinery.

Kola described the project as part of broader concerns over land privatization. Albania's anti-corruption agency has opened an investigation related to the development, while government officials maintain the land is privately owned.

" Fellow demonstrators greet her with the term "Nona," an Albanian word for an elderly female relative. Ishmi said her primary concern is transparency in development decisions. She noted that neither she nor her husband opposes foreign investment when proper parameters are followed.