"Der Spiegel": The protest that is shaking the Rama government

The well-known German media outlet "Der Spiegel" has dedicated an article to the protest held in Tirana, which gathered tens of thousands of citizens on the "Martyrs of the Nation" boulevard and then on the main streets of the capital.

According to German media, what initially started as a protest against a project in a natural area in Zvërnec has, over time, transformed into a broader movement with political demands, including the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Der Spiegel writes that the protests have started in reaction to a tourism project in a nature reserve on the country's southwestern coast, an area also known as a habitat for flamingos. The article also mentions the involvement of international investors in the project.

Article:

What started as a protest against flamingos has now become a broader issue across Albania: In Tirana, the capital of the Balkan country, tens of thousands of people protested yesterday.

According to the AFP news agency, this was the largest demonstration since the protests began in May.

The protests began as an environmental movement against the construction of a tourist resort in the Zvërnec nature reserve on Albania's southwestern coast, an important breeding ground for flamingos. US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Kushner, and his wife Ivanka Trump are involved in the construction project.

The protest began after construction fences topped with barbed wire and excavators suddenly appeared on a beach in Zvërnec. Saturday marked the 35th consecutive day of protests.

Demonstrators demand the resignation of Prime Minister Rama

Daily protests are now directed against the Albanian government. Demonstrators are denouncing corruption in the country and demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. On Saturday, banners read “Albania is not for sale.” Some demanded the release of 19 demonstrators who were arrested after clashes on Thursday.

On Thursday, protesters gathered in front of parliament to block members of parliament from entering the building. Police used tear gas and water cannons. Protesters threw eggs, stones and other objects and tried to break through the police cordon. According to authorities, 15 police officers were injured and 25 protesters were arrested.

The Albanian government has long been trying to boost its economy through tourism. The Trump family of US President Donald Trump has invested extensively in luxury projects around the world. Critics accuse Kushner and his wife of exploiting Donald Trump's presidency for their own business interests.