Albanian 'Flamingo Revolution' Protests Grow as Diaspora Joins Tirana Rallies

• The 'Flamingo Revolution' protests, now in their 76th day, are set to receive support from hundreds of diaspora members arriving in Tirana from August 14–16.
• Protesters are demanding the resignation of the government and the cancellation of luxury resort projects led by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump in protected natural areas.

Core Issues

• Law No. 21/2024, passed by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, empowers the National Territory Council to grant tourism development permits within protected landscapes.
• Shortly after the law's passage, Jared Kushner announced plans for luxury developments in the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape (Zvërnec) and on Sazan Island.
• Environmental experts from PPNEA warn that these projects threaten to destroy critical coastal ecosystems and establish dangerous precedents for protected area management.

Movement Goals and Impact

• The movement seeks the full resignation of the government, the formation of a one-year technical cabinet to oversee new elections, and the repeal of Law 21/2024.
• The protest is decentralized and grassroots, drawing support from a diverse coalition including youth, families, pensioners, and environmental activists.
• Evening rallies at the Boulevard of the Martyrs remain family-friendly, featuring a 'people’s podium' for citizens to voice grievances.
• Previous mass actions have seen up to 100,000 participants, highlighting widespread public discontent against corruption and the 36-year political status quo.