Albanian PM calls protesters against Kushner resort ‘animals’
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has sharply criticized protesters opposing the construction of a $1.4 billion resort developed by Jared Kushner's investment firm, comparing the movement to Nazi Germany and calling participants ‘hayvans’ – a derogatory term meaning ‘animals’ or ‘uncivilized people’.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the so-called ‘Flamingo Revolution’, calling protesters ‘hayvan’ – an insult translating to ‘animals’ or ‘uncivilized people’ – and comparing the movement to Nazi Germany. Speaking on his podcast, Rama said: ‘This is fascism, this is a scandal, and it must be stopped.’
The protests, now in their 14th consecutive day, saw 100,000 to 200,000 people flood Tirana on Saturday in the largest demonstration yet, demanding the prime minister's resignation. The rally remained peaceful, with families, children, and elderly participants, and even a drawing area for kids.
The unrest is directed against a €1.4 billion luxury resort development on the Adriatic coast, led by Jared Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners and involving his wife Ivanka Trump. Rama insists the project will proceed despite environmental concerns.
The European Commission has urged Albania to take immediate steps to comply with EU environmental legislation if it wishes to join the bloc. Further protests were planned Sunday in Tirana and in cities including New York, Berlin, Vienna, and London.
