Albanian police clash with 'Flamingo Revolution' protesters over Kushner resort

Police in Albania used tear gas and water cannons on Thursday to break up an anti-government protest that turned violent, as the so-called 'Flamingo Revolution' continues to escalate. At least 18 protesters were detained and 12 officers injured in clashes outside parliament in Tirana Source: AP. The protest, which began as opposition to a luxury resort backed by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has broadened into a movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama Source: BBC.

What happened

Demonstrators threw rocks, eggs, and other objects at police, who responded with pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannon. Windows of a police car were smashed Source: Euronews. The interior minister condemned 'acts of vandalism and criminal violence' Source: DW.

The broader movement

Initially focused on environmental damage to a flamingo habitat in Zvernec's Narta Lagoon, the protests now reflect wider anger over governance and corruption. 'I'm here for our schools, our hospitals, our infrastructure,' a protester told the BBC Source: BBC. The government says the resort would boost luxury tourism and EU membership goals Source: DW.

EU concerns

The European Parliament has warned that the project could jeopardize Albania's EU accession. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik said the government was 'playing with fire' and risking the membership process Source: Guardian.