TIRANA, Albania — Albanian law enforcement officers and demonstrators clashed Thursday when an anti-government protest in the nation’s capital descended into violence, with roots in opposition to a luxury coastal development connected to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Officers deployed tear gas, pepper spray, and a water cannon against demonstrators who were throwing rocks, eggs, and other items at police. Officials reported that 12 officers sustained injuries and 18 protesters were taken into custody.
Thursday’s unrest is part of a series of daily demonstrations that have been ongoing for more than a month. The movement, known as the “flamingo revolution,” began as opposition to a planned upscale resort development along the country’s Adriatic coast that has been linked to Kushner.
Although the protests originated over environmental concerns surrounding the proposed development, they have since expanded into a broader political movement directed against the government and Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
In recent weeks, thousands of demonstrators have filled the streets, blowing whistles and carrying cardboard flamingo cutouts — a nod to the protected migratory bird species whose coastal habitats could be threatened by the proposed resort near Narta Lagoon.
The Albanian government has argued the development would be a game-changer for the formerly communist country as it pursues entry into the European Union and works to attract high-end tourism. However, the project — which would span an abandoned island and a nearby section of shoreline — has faced strong pushback from environmental advocates and critics of Rama’s administration.
Several hundred protesters gathered outside the Albanian parliament on Thursday, calling for the prime minister’s resignation and chanting “Rama has to go to jail.” Some demonstrators hurled rocks, eggs, and plastic bottles at officers, and used a piece of metal barrier to shatter the windows of a police vehicle.
One protester, Agustela Thoma, explained the frustration driving the crowd: “The protesters want their voice to be heard inside (the parliament), as the prime minister for so many days has not heard them and has ignored them. But enough is enough.”
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari condemned what he described as “the acts of vandalism and criminal violence” directed at police officers. “Police officers are public servants, citizens of the Republic, and family members just like everyone else. They serve the law, public order, and the safety of every citizen, without distinction. An attack against them is an attack against the state,” the minister stated.
