TIRANA – The civic anti-government movement in Tirana, widely known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” marked its 80th consecutive day of protests on 18 August. Demonstrators gathered at Skanderbeg Square before marching down “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard to the Prime Minister’s Office, persistently demanding the non-negotiable resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, it was reported by the Albanian media outlets.
The protests began as an environmental campaign opposing a controversial luxury resort and hotel project planned in protected coastal and lagoon areas (such as Narta Lagoon and Zvërnec), linked to foreign developers including Jared Kushner, a son-in-law of American President Donald Trump.
The movement quickly expanded past ecological concerns into a broad challenge against the political establishment, drawing public anger over systemic corruption, governance, and living standards. Inflatable pink flamingos and the slogan “Albania is not for sale” became iconic staples of the rallies.
The primary demand from the crowds and civic organizers is the immediate resignation of Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013.
Protesters also demand the removal of the political “old caste,” the repeal of legislative changes weakening protected environmental areas, and comprehensive electoral reforms.
The protests have received renewed energy boosts with members of Albania’s large European diaspora traveling back to participate directly in the anti-government rallies.
Last night at the podium in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, a citizen said in his speech that “for 80 days they (the Government) have tried to impose different theses on us, forgetting that for 13 years those theses failed”, it was reported by Voxnews.al
“For 80 days, this protest has highlighted the powerlessness of the government before the people. With this resistance, we have shown that the propaganda machine is powerless before this people”, a protester noted.
