planned for a coastal nature reserve. It marked the 35th consecutive daily protest since late May, and the biggest so far. The project — a USD 4.6 billion hotel development in Zvernec — has ignited broader public anger over corruption and lack of transparency. Demonstrators are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign. The movement is called the "Flamingo Revolution," referencing the pink birds that migrate to the lagoon threatened by construction. Developers also aim to turn the uninhabited island of Sazan into a tourist destination.

Recent protests turned violent. On Thursday, police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons  on demonstrators outside parliament. Fifteen officers were injured and 25 protesters detained. The Albanian Helsinki Committee condemned the police's "disproportionate use of force," saying tear gas was used without warning and officers struck subdued protesters.

Saturday's rally remained largely peaceful. Protesters carried banners reading "Albania is not for sale" and "Revoke law on protected areas," demanding the release of 19 detainees still held. Some held giant pink flamingos; others carried a mock concrete cake marking Rama's 62nd birthday. Later, groups marched to the police station chanting "free the boys," where some threw stones, breaking windows, and police used water cannons after midnight to disperse them. Many Albanians from the diaspora returned to join the demonstrations. (Bssnews)