Select a language
The Flamingo Revolution is shaking up Albania. Since 23 May, the young and decentralised movement has brought thousands of people on to the streets to protest against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The wave of opposition originated with plans for luxury resorts on the uninhabited island of Sazan and in the village of Zvërnec, which have received support from US investor and son-in-law of Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, along with Trump’s daughter Ivanka. Locals and other protesters have criticised the opaque and corrupt management of the project, which they say poses a threat to the local environment, which is a critical waypoint for migratory birds, including the famous pink flamingos.
What began as a movement with limited geographical and political scope has now spread to become a nation-wide denunciation of the pervasive corruption in Albania, the government, and the erosion of democracy.
Do you like our work?
Help multilingual European journalism to thrive, without ads or paywalls. Your one-off or regular support will keep our newsroom independent. Thank you!
