Demonstrators tried to block the parliament building, throwing eggs and flour at police officers. Officers used water cannons and pepper spray to push back the crowd. According to the state news agency ATA, 18 people were temporarily arrested, and 15 police officers and 4 demonstrators sustained injuries.
The protest targets the planned development of the Narta Lagoon in the Vjosa Delta by American investors. The project is led by a company owned by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US Donald Trump. Plans include luxury hotels, villa complexes, and recreational facilities in Zvernec Bay and on Sazan Island.
Environmentalists fear lasting damage to the sensitive ecosystem, including resting and breeding grounds for flamingos, herons, and other birds. For over a month, thousands have demonstrated in Tirana in the evenings; media refer to a “Flamingo Revolution.” Thursday’s protest was the first held during the day and aimed to block parliament.
Demonstrators also demand the resignation of Edi Rama, suspecting corruption behind his insistence on the project. About two years ago, Rama weakened the law on protected areas, enabling luxury tourism development in the Vjosa Delta. Construction machinery arrived on site in late May, triggering the wave of protests.
Source: www.spiegel.de
