Rama Repeats Iran Cyberattack Claims as 10-Day Albanian Protests Broaden
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jun 11
Rama Repeats Iran Cyberattack Claims as 10-Day Albanian Protests Broaden
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jun 11
Summary
Edi Rama renewed accusations that Iran is using cyberattacks, threats and propaganda to spread disinformation as anti-government protests entered a 10th straight day in Albania.
The unrest began over a luxury tourism project tied to a venture linked to Jared Kushner in the protected Pishe Poro and Sazan areas, but has widened into a campaign against Rama's government and several laws.
Thousands gathered at Skënderbej Square in Tirana for what organisers called a nationwide rally, demanding the government's resignation and repeal of investor, protected-areas and cultural-heritage measures.
The dispute now also touches Albania's EU path: the European Commission on Tuesday urged Tirana to act without delay to avoid undermining Chapter 27 environmental benchmarks in accession talks.
Rama argues the Adriatic development would transform Albania's high-end tourism sector, while organisers say protests will continue in coming days with the same five demands.
Can a billion-dollar resort in a national park really help Albania's bid to join the EU?
Is an Albanian eco-protest a grassroots movement or a front for Iranian hybrid warfare?
How did new laws turn Albania's protected national parks into prime real estate?
From Environmental Protest to Hybrid Warfare: The Flamingo Revolution and Albania’s Battle over the $4 Billion Kushner Resort
Overview
The "Flamingo Revolution" in Albania began with widespread public anger over a $4 billion luxury tourism project led by Jared Kushner’s firm, which was granted special investor status by Albanian authorities. The project’s location on environmentally sensitive land and a lack of transparency fueled domestic and international protests, with citizens demanding accountability from political leaders. The European Commission raised concerns about environmental impacts and Albania’s adherence to EU standards, linking the controversy to the country’s EU membership prospects. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rama claimed that Iran was manipulating the protests, highlighting how local grievances have become entangled with international tensions and disinformation.