Key facts
- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized escalating protests in Tirana.
- Nine police officers were injured and 18 protesters arrested during clashes.
- Protests, initially against a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, have broadened to oppose the political elite.
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister, opposition leader, and the entire government.
- Police erected metal fences around Parliament, which heightened tensions and led to further confrontations.
- Opposition leader Jorida Tabaku condemned police violence.
TIRANA, Albania — Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to escalating protests in the Albanian capital, Tirana, where clashes outside Parliament resulted in nine police officers being injured and 18 protesters arrested. Rama posted on X, using an ironic tone and clown emojis, to note that the "beautiful protest of citizenship, patriotism, and purity has given way to the old story of conflict, strife and violence."
The protests, dubbed the 'Flamingo Revolution,' have been ongoing for 33 days. Initially focused on opposition to a proposed luxury resort on the southern coast linked to Jared Kushner, the movement has evolved into a broader challenge against the political establishment.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Rama, opposition leader Sali Berisha, and the entire government. They also seek the installation of a non-political technical government and significant changes to electoral laws and regulations concerning protected areas and investments.
Tensions heightened on Thursday after police erected metal fences around Parliament to ensure the safety of lawmakers arriving for a plenary session. This measure led to further confrontations, with one protester smashing a police car windscreen and others throwing rocks and paving tiles at officers. Social media footage has also shown police dragging and hitting protesters with batons.
Opposition Democratic Party deputy Jorida Tabaku condemned the "insane images of police violence" on Instagram, calling them unacceptable. While Rama has alleged foreign interference and offered dialogue on environmental concerns with some protesters, he has refused to resign. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.