Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama warned US Democrats against using this country for revenge against Donald Trump. These remarks come in the wake of widespread protests related to a luxury recreational project linked to investment by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.
History of Protests
The protests in Albania, known as the "Flamingo Revolution," initially began due to concerns over a luxury recreational project on Sazan Island. This project, which is related to the development of a resort on the southern coast of Albania, quickly escalated into broader protests against the government and has now reached 124 consecutive days. These protests have garnered significant international attention, with nightly demonstrations taking place outside Rama's office in Tirana.
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Edi Rama's Statements
In an interview with the media, Rama stated: "I told my Democratic friends in America: If you can't defeat Trump in America, don't come to Albania to take revenge. It's not fair." He also referred to criticisms of the project, stating that it only encompasses 8% of Sazan Island, which is a former Soviet military base, and the remaining land is privately held by investors.
The protests have intensified due to environmental concerns and the lack of public consultation regarding this project. Additionally, Albania's Special Prosecution Office for the Fight Against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, is investigating whether an Albanian businessman forged ownership documents related to private lands. The former owner of these lands has denied any wrongdoing.
Rama responded to protest slogans such as "Albania is not for sale" and "Albania for Albanians" by saying: "If you bring foreign investment to Germany, do you say that Germany is for sale? I represent the interests of my country, and I will continue to do so."
Projects Under Review
Rama also announced that negotiations regarding development projects are ongoing and that they will assess the environmental impacts of these plans. In a joint press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in Tirana, he stated that his government will ensure that all documents related to this project are transparently available.
While Rama was meeting with the President of the European Commission, several hundred people protested outside his office with placards such as "No EU with Rama." This highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and protesters and continues to attract international media attention.
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