Albanian PM says protests are driven by anti‑Trump forces

Protesters across Albania have taken to the streets to accuse the government of “selling the country’s nature” to foreign investors and luxury developers. Demonstrators claim that large‑scale tourism projects and real‑estate developments are eroding protected landscapes, threatening biodiversity and displacing local communities. The protests have been organized by environmental groups and local residents, who argue that the pace of development is outpacing regulatory safeguards and that the economic benefits are unevenly distributed.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has addressed the concerns in an interview with Deutsche Welle, explaining that the government’s policies are aimed at boosting investment and creating jobs. Rama said that the projects in question have been approved through legal channels and that environmental impact assessments have been conducted. He added that the state is working to balance economic growth with conservation, citing measures such as protected area designations and stricter zoning regulations intended to mitigate ecological damage.

The government’s stance highlights a broader debate in Albania over sustainable development. While the Prime Minister stresses the importance of attracting foreign capital to modernize infrastructure and increase employment, critics argue that the environmental costs are too high. The protests continue to draw attention to the need for clearer environmental oversight and greater community involvement in decision‑making processes.