Reports in the Albanian media suggest that the development company Zvërnec South Adriatic Development is controlled by a network of entities registered in the Netherlands, although the final owners have not been disclosed. The involvement of the Kastrati Group, Albania’s largest private conglomerate, has also been reported, although its exact role is still unclear.
By the time of publication, Zvërnec Adriatic South Development, Kastrati Group and SPAK had not responded to requests for comment.
The government defends the development strategy as necessary to transform Albania into a high-class Mediterranean tourist destination. Prime Minister Edi Rama framed such investments as part of long-term economic modernization, arguing that they would augment domestic revenues and international visibility. Rama initially proposed dialogue with protesters, but as resistance grew, he abandoned this approach and began discrediting the movement.
“The problem is not the flamingos,” he said in a social media post, describing the protesters. “The problem is that flamingos are unwilling to listen to facts, discuss solutions, and coordinate efforts with institutions and serious sources of expertise to protect everything that needs protection while allowing the appropriate project to proceed. In this way, they become tools of the crows and ravens around them.”
Initially, protesters were described in various ways, from accusations of being influenced by foreign interests to being labeled as agents of external forces. Criticism later expanded to international media coverage, and more recently it was framed that the protests were being driven by influencers and algorithms rather than a true citizen mobilization.
The protests sparked hope and anger at the same time, creating a domino effect several Albanian cities. Inspired by the dismantling of the fence in Zvërnec, citizens have torn down barriers that they believe symbolize the abuse of power and the privatization of public spaces. Similar actions took place in Rrjoll and Librazhd, and recently in Kakome Bay on the Albanian Riviera. For almost two decades, access to the bay was restricted due to long-standing property disputes that prevented the public from free access to one of the most picturesque coastal areas in the country.
Frame, v interview with the Albanian media, he denied that Ivanka Trump’s comments about Sazan were right and reflected the actual investment process. Rama defended the proposed changes, dismissing the concerns as misunderstandings, and stated that in Albania, islands cannot be transferred or received privately in secret. Protesters are not convinced; there were calls earlier this week nationwide mobilization demonstrations that will take place next Saturday. They now demand a technical government and early elections.