Albanian PM dismisses Zvërnec protests

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama commented on protests against a planned investment project in the Zvërnec area, southern Albania.

He said the demonstrations were being driven in part by politicians from newly formed parties that had “aged very quickly.”

Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the ruling Socialist Party at the Apollonia archaeological park in southern municipality of Fier, Rama said Albania’s growing international profile had made it the focus of various competing interests and narratives, CE Report quotes ATA.

He said concerns surrounding the planned development in coastal area of Zvërnec were not primarily motivated by worries about the area’s flamingos but reflected broader tensions involving Albania’s development.

Rama said he was not suggesting that protesters were acting on behalf of outside forces, but argued that some participants had been influenced by misinformation, while others included politicians from new political movements.

“Those who are genuinely concerned about the environment and about Albania have legitimate concerns,” Rama said, referring to people worried about environmental protection and public ownership of national assets.

He added that some protesters mistakenly believed they enjoyed broad international support from media platforms in the United States and Europe because they were fighting for their country and the environment.

Photo: Facebook/ediramaal