Protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes and mass demonstrations over nearly six months, as authorities impose fines of up to 500,000 leks—more than six times the average monthly salary—on participants.
The unrest began after plans by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, to build a luxury resort in protected natural areas on Albania’s Adriatic coast were announced. In 2021, Ivanka Trump and her husband met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama aboard a yacht to discuss developing the Vyosa Narta nature reserve into a tourist complex.
A 2024 amendment to Albania’s protected natural areas law permitted such developments, after which Kushner’s investment firm gained strategic status to accelerate approvals. By April 2026, local residents reported fencing, tree cutting, and road construction in the area—home to endangered species including monk seals and flamingos—which sparked protests. Demonstrators initially demanded halting the project but later called for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation, early elections, and repeal of the law.
The demonstrations grew from coastal villages to mass rallies in Tirana’s Skanderbeg Square by mid-June 2024, attracting over 100,000 participants—the largest protests since Albania’s transition from socialism. Activists dubbed the movement the “flaming revolution,” using the flamingo as its symbol. By October 2024, student groups joined the protests, influenced by global movements demanding education funding and reforms. The demonstrations turned violent: protesters stormed government buildings, including the Justice Ministry and Central Election Commission, set fire to dumpsters, and used fireworks and homemade weapons against police.
In response, authorities imposed fines of 500,000 leks on riot participants and authorized police to restrict gatherings near schools, hospitals, and government sites. Prime Minister Rama claimed protesters were under foreign influence opposing Albania’s European Union accession.
