As Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama marked his 62nd birthday on Saturday, thousands flocked to the streets of central Tirana not for a grand celebration but to call for the state leader’s resignation.
Saturday’s rally marked the 35th and the largest organised under the banner of “Flamingo Revolution,” which began in May as a movement opposing the proposed tourism development near a nature reserve in Albania’s southern coast.
Citizens were angered over Rama’s approval of the EUR4-billion (US$4.6 billion) resort project linked to United States President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner.
Over the weeks the movement has grown into a broader call for government transparency and renewal of Albania’s political leadership.
‘The people wish you well’
Protesters marched along Tirana’s boulevard on Saturday evening before assembling in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, carrying decorated cakes bearing political statements directed at Rama.
“The people wish you well. Resign!” one of the cakes read, according to the translation by Albanian news agency CNA.
Some brought makeshift gifts wrapped in dark red foil for the Prime Minister, signifying the strong emotion from the people.
The crowd also waved giant banners, flags and images of pink flamingos during the rally to further represent their sentiments against the government.
The migrating birds have become the main symbol of the nationwide movement as one of the natural inhabitants of the protected area in Zvernec, where the contentious tourism development is planned.
“Albania is not for sale,” some banners said.
Others held statements calling for the revocation of law on protected areas, referring to the legislation that has allowed the government to fast-track the Trump-linked project.
A notable moment during the evening came when some protesters carried a symbolic coffin through the crowd.
Written on it were phrases “Edi Rama’s,” “Your time is over” and “Rilindja Gang,” a derogatory term used by opposition leaders to describe the ruling administration.
While the wooden casket was being passed along, people were heard chanting “Rama’s coffin!”
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Large crowd
According to organisers, many Albanians from across Europe and the Americas returned to the country to join the July 4 rally.
Speaking with Agence France-Presse, Xheku Shena from Canada explained that the “Flamingo Revolution” is not to oppose foreign investments in Albania, but to call for “dignity, respect and transparency… against the current model harmful to the public interest.”
Another protester, Alketa Ademi, told AFP that the movement reflects “widespread public discontent” towards Rama’s governance.
“Lack of transparency, arrogance — enough is enough! The prime minister has to leave,” the 40-year-old said.
Late evening continuation
Saturday’s rally followed a violence-engulfed demonstration in Tirana on Thursday, during which police reportedly used tear gas, pepper spray and a water cannon to disperse hundreds of “Flamingo Revolution” protesters who were blocking the entry to the Parliament building.
In return, some of the demonstrators threw eggs, stones and other objects at the authorities.
According to the police, 15 officers were injured in the clash, while 25 protesters were arrested, 19 of whom remained in detention at Tirana police station on Saturday.
Some demonstrators at the July 4 rally marched from the main boulevard to the police station late in the evening to demand the release of those still detained.
“Free the boys,” they chanted outside the station, while some threw stones at the office, breaking its windows.
The police managed to disperse the crowd shortly before midnight using a water cannon.
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