Police in Tirana blocked protesters from reaching parliament as demonstrations over a luxury coastal development linked to Jared Kushner turned violent on the movement's 100th day. Protesters, calling their campaign the "flamingo revolution," say the project threatens coastal wildlife and public access to beaches. The nightly rallies have expanded into a broader challenge to Prime Minister Edi Rama and his long-ruling Socialist government. Several people were detained amid clashes, though formal arrest numbers remained unclear.
Tirana's "Flamingo Revolution" Turns Violent on 100th Day Over Kushner-Linked Coastal Project
A woman draped in an Albanian flag clashes with police officers during ongoing demonstrations against plans for a luxury resort in a protected coastal area linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Police in Tirana blocked demonstrators from reaching the parliament building on Tuesday after a rally against a luxury coastal development tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, turned violent on the protests' 100th day.
Police officers clash with protesters during ongoing demonstrations against plans for a luxury resort in a protected coastal area linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
The march coincided with parliament resuming from its summer recess. Protesters pushed against a police cordon in central Tirana, hurling eggs, tomatoes and plastic bottles at officers in riot gear. Vehicles transporting lawmakers were confronted by crowds and struck with water bottles before police cleared a path to allow them through.
Police officers, most of them in plainclothes, try to detain a protester during ongoing demonstrations against plans for a luxury resort in a protected coastal area linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
What Protesters Say
The grassroots movement, nicknamed the "flamingo revolution" for placards showing the pink bird protesters fear would be harmed by coastal development, began as nightly demonstrations focused on preserving public access to the coastline and protecting the environment. Organizers and demonstrators say the large-scale project would damage fragile coastal habitats and limit public access to beaches.
Police officers try to detain a protester during ongoing demonstrations against plans for a luxury resort in a protected coastal area linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
Officials, Supporters And Controversy
Albanian officials have largely declined to specify Jared Kushner’s precise role in the venture, though Ivanka Trump has publicly referred to her family’s involvement and called it an "incredible project." Prime Minister Edi Rama — a principal target of the protests — has strongly backed the investment, arguing it would help modernize Albania after decades of isolation under communist rule.
Protesters sit in the street to block cars leaving Parliament during ongoing demonstrations against plans for a luxury resort in a protected coastal area linked to Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law, in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)(AP Photo/Hameraldi Agolli)
"We are here because we want change. Young people are struggling. Life is getting harder, and the government is not listening. We believe Albania can do better," said protester Elidon Mehmetaj.
During the clashes, demonstrators chanted 'Arrest Rama!' as police escorted lawmakers to and from the parliamentary compound. Several protesters were detained during the unrest, though it was not immediately clear whether formal arrests were made.
Context: What started as protests focused on one development has broadened into a wider political challenge to Albania's long-ruling Socialist government, reflecting deeper frustrations about governance, environment and access to public land.
Cimili reported from Pristina, Kosovo.
Help us improve.
