Tens of Thousands Protest in Tirana Against Trump-Linked Resort on 35th Day

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Tirana on July 5 for the 35th consecutive day of protests against a planned luxury hotel and tourist resort linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The project is slated for a protected coastal area near Zvërnec in southwestern Albania and carries an estimated cost of $4.6 billion.

Demonstrations began in late May after fencing and excavators appeared on nearby beaches.

Protesters carried banners reading "Albania is not for sale" and "Repeal the law on protected areas," along with giant pink flamingos. One group carried a large concrete cake referencing both Prime Minister Edi Rama's 62nd birthday and plans to develop the site. A large group broke away from the main march and headed to a police station holding 19 detainees from earlier protests.

Demonstrators smashed windows there and were dispersed with tear gas and water cannons, according to reports. Protesters shouted "Release the kids" during the clash. In clashes near parliament the previous week, officials said 15 police officers were injured and 25 protesters were detained.

The Albanian Helsinki Committee expressed concern at the escalation and called for an independent investigation into police conduct. Protester Alketa Ademi told AFP that what began as the "pink flamingo revolution" had turned into widespread public discontent. "The lack of transparency, the arrogance – enough!

The prime minister has to go," she said. The project is planned for the uninhabited island of Sazan, a former military base.