Protests against a proposed luxury coastal development in Albania turned violent on their 100th day as demonstrators clashed with police near parliament in Tirana.
Protesters tried to push through a security cordon and threw eggs, tomatoes and plastic bottles at riot officers while lawmakers returned from their summer recess.
The movement began over environmental concerns and fears that the project would restrict public access to the coast. Its flamingo symbol refers to wildlife that campaigners say could be threatened by development.
The planned investment has been linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as part of Albania’s modernization and economic development.
Over time, the demonstrations have grown into a broader challenge to Rama’s Socialist government, bringing together concerns about living costs, governance and the responsiveness of state institutions.
Several protesters were reportedly detained, although authorities had not immediately provided a confirmed total. The confrontation is likely to increase pressure for greater transparency over the project’s ownership, environmental assessment and public-access guarantees.
Source
Associated Press
Featured photo: Daniel Silva/Unsplash. The image is illustrative.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
