Albanian anti-government protests enter 17th day over Trump-linked tourism project

Anti-government demonstrators in Albania's capital on Tuesday continued protesting a planned tourism development project linked to US President Donald Trump's daughter for the 17th consecutive day. A large crowd gathered in Tirana's Skanderbeg Square, chanting "Albania is not for sale" to protest the planned sale of a beach in the Zvernec area of southwestern Vlora county as part of a tourism development project allegedly linked to Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.

March and demands

Carrying banners and placards, demonstrators marched to the Prime Minister's Office on Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. As in previous days, participants stopped in front of the government building and chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. "Edi Rama, you traitor, resign as soon as possible!" protesters shouted.

Movement momentum

Now in its third week, the protest movement has shown no signs of losing momentum, with organizers saying they intend to continue until demands are met. Protesters describe the rallies as a response to the country's political and economic conditions.

Investigation

According to Albanian media reports, the country's Special Prosecution Office has launched an investigation into the project. Rama previously rejected allegations that the Zvernec development project belonged to the Trump family. The project is estimated to cost around $4 billion.