‘Flamingo Revolution’ Grips Albania for 35th Night as Protesters Demand PM Resignation
TIRANA — July 5, 2026 — Tens of thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets of the capital for the 35th consecutive night, with a movement that began as a local environmental protest over a luxury coastal resort linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump evolving into a broader anti-government uprising demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The nightly demonstrations, now dubbed the ‘Flamingo Revolution’—a reference to the pink birds whose protected habitat near Vlora is threatened by the planned resort—have swelled in recent days. On Saturday, July 4, what media described as one of the largest protests in Albania’s history saw hundreds of thousands of participants, including many from the diaspora, marching through Tirana. Demonstrators carried banners reading “Albania is not for sale” and held giant pink flamingo balloons as they marched toward the government headquarters.
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From Coastal Resort to National Crisis
The protests were triggered by a $4.6 billion resort development project in the protected Narta Lagoon area, which critics say threatens fragile ecosystems and migratory birds. The project, which is backed by an investment firm linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, was granted “strategic investor” status by the government.
While the prime minister has stated that an environmental impact assessment has not yet begun, the appearance of fencing and construction equipment at the site in late May sparked outrage and escalated what was initially a local issue. Concerns have now expanded to encompass corruption, governance, and what protesters describe as a “crisis of legitimacy”.
“The lack of transparency, the arrogance – enough! The prime minister has to go,” one protester told AFP. The movement’s demand has evolved to include a call for a temporary non-partisan government, constitutional reform, and an end to corruption.
Clashes and Arrests
While the protests have been largely peaceful, clashes with police erupted on Thursday, July 2, when hundreds of demonstrators attempted to block the entrance to parliament. According to police, 15 officers were injured, and 25 demonstrators were detained. Law enforcement used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
A Tirana court on Sunday, July 5, released 19 of the detained protesters, with some placed under house arrest or required to report to police. The decision was met with cheers from supporters outside the courthouse.
Political Fallout and International Context
The protests have exposed deep fissures within the ruling Socialist Party. Majana Koceku, a 25-year-old MP personally handpicked by Rama as a candidate in last year’s election, has quit the party, stating that Rama “doesn’t inspire people anymore“.
“We can’t just stand there and clap the government and pretend like nothing is happening,” Koceku told the BBC.
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Meanwhile, the European Commission has reportedly warned Albania against actions that could impact its EU accession path, as the country aims to conclude membership negotiations by the end of next year.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has characterized the protests as a sign of a healthy democracy but faces growing scrutiny, as several of his closest political allies are under investigation by Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors.
As of late Sunday, the nightly protests show no signs of abating, with demonstrators vowing to continue their actions until their demands are met.
SOURCES / INPUTS
- Euronews: Thousands gather in Tirana in major ‘Pink Flamingo’ protests
- Moskovskij Komsomolets: В Албании наступил 35-й день протестов против премьера
- RTBF: ‘Révolution des flamants roses’ en Albanie : énorme mobilisation à Tirana
- Panorama: Thousands in the square demand the resignation of the Prime Minister
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