Albanian PM calls protesters "idiots" over Kushner-linked resort

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday made harsh comments during his podcast about the "Flamingo Revolution," the name given to protests against a luxury resort project on the Adriatic coast. He called the protesters "hajvanë," a derogatory Albanian term roughly meaning "idiots" or "uncivilized people." Rama also stated that the movement has a "fascist spirit," promoting the idea that Albania belongs only to Albanians, similar to how Nazi Germany was "for Germans."

The protests in Tirana, which began in June, have been ongoing for 14 consecutive days. Saturday's demonstration saw an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 participants and remained peaceful, with children, elderly, and families in attendance. A drawing and coloring zone was even set up for children. Further protests are planned worldwide, including in New York, Berlin, Vienna, and London.

The €1.4 billion resort project is being developed by Jared Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners. Despite the protests, Rama confirmed the project will continue. Meanwhile, the European Commission has urged Albania to take immediate steps to ensure compliance with EU environmental legislation if it wishes to join the bloc.