Citizen protests in Tirana against Jared Kushner’s projects on Sazan Island and in the Zvërnec area have continued with significant participation.
Yesterday, rallies organized by civil society representatives, environmentalists, and local residents led to the blockage of the main axes in the center of the capital.
According to reports, the number of people who filled the streets was around 60,000 protesters, marking a high participation figure in these marches.
During these days of rallies, protesters have marched with banners reading “New Albania”, expressing their opposition to billion-euro projects in ecologically protected areas, such as the case of Narta and Zvërnec.
This massive reaction has also brought increased engagement from Prime Minister Edi Rama on social media, who over the last nine days of protests has made hundreds of posts regarding the government’s management and stances towards strategic investments.
The debate has also shifted to the public meetings of the head of government. During a recent outing in the city of Elbasan, Prime Minister Rama was put in the spotlight due to some movements and gestures, which were interpreted by observers as an attempt to imitate one of the famous girls of Albanian showbiz.
Lokimagazine reported that the prime minister’s movements match a pose by moderator Fjoralba Ponari, which she had taken during a visit to Paris, near the Eiffel Tower.
This development comes at a time when tensions over coastal investments have also involved other public figures.
A few days ago, moderator Alketa Vejsiu caused a lot of discussion on social media after a statement suggesting that we should see the positive side of economic development. She publicly stated: “What if we don’t think: ‘Albania is being sold’, but say: ‘Albania is developing’?”
This stance was met with harsh criticism from followers, who accused him of protecting elite interests and disconnecting from the reality of ordinary citizens.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Rama himself has taken a firm stance against the slogans used in these rallies, especially the chants “Albania belongs to Albanians.”
During a speech regarding the projects in Zvërnec, Rama said: “Albania does not belong to Albanians, because the home of an Albanian belongs to God and to his friend, and this is what the Kanun says. Albanians are the owners of this land here, but the home is open to everyone..