Albanians protest for 35th night, demand Rama's resignation

The nightly demonstrations, dubbed 'the pink flamingo revolution,' began in response to a luxury coastal resort development project in a protected natural area connected to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law. The protests have since broadened into widespread anti-government and anti-corruption sentiment, with chants of “New Albania” and “Edi Rama, resign.”

The protest carried significant symbolism. A bust of Rama was erected and subsequently toppled with a rope, echoing the 1991 toppling of Enver Hoxha’s statue. Coinciding with Rama’s 62nd birthday, some protesters carried cement 'birthday cakes,' a nod to construction projects, and sang an ironic 'happy birthday' song. Pink flamingo balloons, referencing birds allegedly threatened by the resort construction, were also present.

Following approximately two hours of protest, a large contingent marched to a police station, demanding the release of individuals arrested during a prior protest near parliament. The situation escalated as protesters broke windows at the police station, prompting police to deploy a water cannon to disperse the crowd.