Story perspectives

35th Night Protests Topple Rama’s Bust Over $4.6 B Resort

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

On Saturday, 35th consecutive night of protests in Tirana, thousands demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over a Kushner-linked €4.6 billion resort.
Protesters toppled Rama’s bust and displayed a concrete birthday cake for his 62nd birthday.
Police responded with tear gas and cannons, injuring and arresting dozens.
The Albanian Helsinki Committee condemned force and called for a probe, while activists labeled the campaign the “flamingo revolution” over the protected Vjose-Narta lagoon.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 Albania erupted after pyramid schemes collapsed, wiping out liabilities of over $1 billion—roughly half the nation’s GDP—and sparking riots that forced President Sali Berisha’s government to call in the army and accept IMF aid. The June-July elections then brought a Socialist coalition to power. Today’s 35-night Tirana protests revive those grievances, demanding accountability for massive financial deals.

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Story summary

On Saturday, 35th consecutive night of protests in Tirana, thousands demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation over a Kushner-linked €4.6 billion resort.
Protesters toppled Rama’s bust and displayed a concrete birthday cake for his 62nd birthday.
Police responded with tear gas and cannons, injuring and arresting dozens.
The Albanian Helsinki Committee condemned force and called for a probe, while activists labeled the campaign the “flamingo revolution” over the protected Vjose-Narta lagoon.

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