Albanian Prime Minister Receives Cement Cakes as Birthday Gift – AP
In Tirana, thousands of demonstrators took to the city’s main boulevard, marching toward Skanderbeg Square, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the formation of a new government, constitutional reform, and a systematic fight against corruption.
The July 4 rally marked the thirty-fifth consecutive nighttime demonstration as part of the so-called “Pink Flamingo Revolution.” The protests began over plans to build a luxury seaside resort in a protected area linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and later evolved into a broad anti-government campaign.
Since the rally coincided with the prime minister’s 62nd birthday, protesters staged symbolic acts, bringing “cakes” made of cement as a reference to controversial construction projects and inflatable pink flamingos—birds threatened by the upcoming development. During the march, participants also used ropes to topple a specially installed bust of the prime minister, a reference to the historic toppling of the monument to Communist dictator Enver Hoxha in February 1991.
The two-hour peaceful protest ended in clashes near one of the city’s police stations, where a large group of demonstrators had gathered. The protesters demanded the immediate release of activists detained during previous rallies near the parliament building. The situation escalated when protesters began smashing windows at the law enforcement building, prompting police units to use water cannons to completely disperse the crowd.
This was reported by the Associated Press.
In Albania’s capital, Tirana, peaceful protests against the construction of a luxury coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner escalated into clashes with police. At least six people were detained during the clashes. Protesters also began demanding the government’s resignation and a change in political course.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the country’s government will not abandon its plans to implement two large-scale projects to build luxury resorts, which are financed by the investment company of Jared Kushner — the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The head of the Albanian Cabinet called the opposition’s daily rallies “hysteria” and assured that the pressure would not force the government to roll back reforms.
In Albania, anti-corruption prosecutors have launched an investigation into a large-scale project to build a luxury tourist resort. The initiative in question is linked to the investment company Affinity Partners, headed by Jared Kushner — the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Law enforcement officials are investigating possible violations during the project’s planning and implementation.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the country is prepared to agree even to a temporary restriction on the right of national veto if this helps speed up its accession to the European Union.
