Albania's "Flamingo Revolution" protests over Trump family's luxury resort project reach 100th day

Tirana, Albania - Albanian opponents of a luxury real estate development project in a protected nature reserve demonstrated for the 100th day in a row in the capital Tirana on Monday.

Protesters hold signs shaped like flamingos as they demonstrate in front of the Albanian Prime Minister's Office in Tirana against the construction of a luxury resort near a protected natural area on August 15, 2026.
Protesters hold signs shaped like flamingos as they demonstrate in front of the Albanian Prime Minister's Office in Tirana against the construction of a luxury resort near a protected natural area on August 15, 2026.  © ADNAN BECI / AFP

The protest is directed against plans to develop parts of the Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa River delta by US investors.

Demonstrators held banners with slogans such as "Albania is not for sale" and called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, alleging corruption behind his continued support for the project.

The project is being led by a company linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump. Luxury hotels, villa complexes, and leisure facilities are planned for Zvernec Bay and Sazan Island.

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Environmental groups warn that the development could cause lasting damage to the fragile ecosystem of the Vjosa delta on Albania's Adriatic coast, including breeding and resting grounds for flamingos, herons, and other bird species.

Albanian media have dubbed the movement the "Flamingo Revolution."

According to local media, no building permit has yet been issued for the resort. However, construction machinery arrived at the proposed site in late May, triggering the wave of protests that has continued ever since.

Cover photo: ADNAN BECI / AFP

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