Thousands of protestors in Albania have clashed with police over planned construction of luxury resort on nature reserve. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannon. The proposed development is backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The protests are part of daily rallies that are being dubbed 'flamingo revolution'. This is because planned resort is on pristine wildlife area that is home to thousands of flamingos. Demonstrators say the project would destroy habitats used by migratory birds. Many of those taking to the streets are calling for resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. They want him to reverse his decision to allow the resort to go ahead.
The land at heart of the demonstrations is at Narta Lagoon on coast of Albania's Adriatic Sea. Even though planning permission has not been granted and environmental impact assessment has not been conducted, work has gone ahead. There are many bulldozers on site and large areas have been fenced off. Protestors report that woodland has been cut down and sand dunes have been cleared. 7 km-long road has also been constructed along peninsula. Albania's government said resort was necessary to help transform the country's economy. However, the European Union has warned the resort could hinder Albania's EU membership.
