Albania: After Nearly Six Months of the “Flamingo Revolution,” Gen Z Takes to the Streets Again

{This article is part of a “Special Report” published by the New Anticapitalist Party-Revolutionaries (NPA-R) in France (translated from French), published in Revolutionaries No. 66, Nov. 1, 2026}

The first protests against corruption, in December 2025, had peaked in March and April with clashes involving Molotov cocktails in the government district. Since the beginning of summer, the “Flamingo Revolution” had been opposing the construction of a luxury hotel complex by Trump’s son- in-law, Jared Kushner. Located in a protected area off the Vjosa Delta, this luxury project has crystallized concerns about the environment, social injustice, and corruption. Across the country, young people have protested almost daily under slogans such as “Albania is not for sale,” “No justice for the people, no peace for the government,” or “Berisha [former president and prime minister, leading figure of the right], Rama [current prime minister, member of the Socialist Party] in jail.” The movement succeeded in its first demand: in mid-June, the EU and Albania announced the suspension of the hotel project.

On October 13, activists from the “Flamingo Revolution” called on students to join them in demonstrating in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the government’s resignation and protesting against rising tuition fees, the cost of living, poor study conditions, and the lack of prospects in a country plagued by unemployment and mass emigration. The call, which drew massive support, led to several nights and days of intense clashes in the center of the capital, Tirana.

On October 20, the government placed chairs in front of Parliament to signal its willingness to engage in dialogue. They were promptly destroyed, burned, or used as projectiles against the police. On the 24th and 25th, joined by education unions, the protesters reached the Prime Minister’s residence and Parliament and attempted to force their way inside. Repression has also intensified, as evidenced by videos of police violence. Prime Minister Edi Rama says he is drawing inspiration from the French “whoever breaks it, pays for it” model, threatening heavy fines for any protester found near acts of vandalism. This new wave of protest could very well bring down his regime.

Dima Rüger, October 26, 2026