Italian media Corriere della Sera: From opposition to Kushner’s resort to calls for Rama’s resignation

Protests taking place in Tirana against Edi Rama’s government are growing and taking on a distinctly anti-government character.

The movement began as a reaction to plans to build a luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, but protesters’ demands have now expanded to include the government and the prime minister.

Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera reported that Albanians took to the streets of the capital again on Saturday, calling for Edi Rama’s resignation.

The marches have continued for 105 days, with the participation and support of environmental activists, civil society organizations and political opponents of the government.

According to the report, pressure on the government has increased significantly, while the protesters’ main demand remains the prime minister’s departure.

The protests began in late May, initially to oppose the luxury resort project expected to be built along the coast and linked to Jared Kushner.

The Albanian government considers the investment a project with a transformative impact on the country. According to the government, it will help develop high-end tourism and support Albania’s aspirations to join the European Union.

The project includes an abandoned island and a coastal area nearby, which has prompted strong opposition from environmental activists, civil society organizations and forces opposed to Rama’s Socialist government.

As rallies continue in Tirana, opposition to the resort has merged with broader dissatisfaction with the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama. Protesters are calling for the head of government to resign.