Massive rallies in Tirana demand Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over a hotel development linked to Jared Kushner on protected coastland.
8:25 PM
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana over the weekend in one of Albania's largest recent demonstrations, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The rally, which drew crowds described as among the biggest since protests began in late May, surrounded the prime minister's residence into the early morning hours. Demonstrators waved Albanian and U.S. flags, released red balloons, and chanted "Albania is not for sale." The gathering marked the 21st or 22nd day of sustained nightly protests against the planned hotel complex.
The proposed development is planned for Sazan Island in the Vjosa-Narta protected coastal area. The project is associated with Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Kushner. Protesters have called for the construction to be halted, citing environmental concerns over the development on protected land.
On Saturday evening, demonstrators issued an ultimatum to Rama, demanding he leave office within 24 hours. A banner displayed a quote attributed to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: "Those who make peaceful protest impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." The warning was repeated in speeches delivered outside the government headquarters, which remained surrounded by protesters throughout the night. Some demonstrators indicated they planned to remain in the plaza overnight.
The protests have expanded beyond opposition to the resort itself. Participants have broadened their demands to target what they describe as the broader political establishment. Members of the Albanian diaspora traveled to join the demonstrations, and protesters from Kosovo crossed the border to participate in the rallies.
Prime Minister Rama has rejected calls for his resignation. He has defended his administration's environmental record and stated the government will not reverse course on the project. Rama has also claimed the protests are being encouraged by malicious cyberactivists operating from abroad and accused Iran of attacking his government.
The nightly demonstrations have continued since late May, when initial opposition to the resort construction began. Saturday's gathering appeared to be the largest mobilization to date against the project.
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