politics
Protests in Tirana Continue Over Resort Plans Near Protected Wetlands
Thousands have demonstrated in Albania's capital for more than a month against large-scale development projects on the Adriatic coast. The demonstrations began over environmental concerns and expanded to questions about government transparency.
Jul 8, 1:25 PM·1m read1 source
The GuardianAudio version
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Thousands of people have protested in Tirana for more than a month against government-backed resort developments on the Adriatic coast. The demonstrations began after videos showed bulldozers on beaches near a nature reserve that hosts more than 2,500 species.
The projects target Zvërnec, its lagoon, and the nearby island of Sazan. Demonstrators cite concerns about the loss of one of the last undeveloped stretches of the Adriatic shoreline.
Background on the Developments The government has stated that the deals are not finalized. Officials have not released detailed project documents or timelines. Videos of construction equipment on the beaches prompted the larger protests. Demonstrators have also raised questions about the decision-making process for the projects.
The protests represent the largest outbreak of unrest in Albania since the collapse of communism more than three decades ago. Organizers have framed the demonstrations as both an environmental and governance issue.
