Albanian protesters have taken to the streets, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the leader of the opposition, Sali Berisha, due to corruption accusations. The protests began in May and have been sparked by a multi-billion-dollar luxury resort plan by Jared Kushner and his business partners.

Corruption Accusations

The protesters are calling for Rama’s resignation, citing thirty years of corruption since the end of the communist regime in 1991. Agim Nesho, former Albanian ambassador to the U.S. and the United Nations, stated that the protests are not against foreign investors like Jared Kushner, but rather against the corruption and lack of accountability within the Rama government.

The luxury resort plan has been a catalyst for the protests, with concerns about the environmental impact and the potential for further corruption. The project involves the creation of two resort properties on Albanian coastal lands, including the abandoned Sazan Island and the area in Zvërnec, which is home to a protected landscape and wildlife.

International Response

The European Parliament has urged the Albanian government to stop construction on protected lands and to impose a moratorium on further permits and construction in protected areas. The Rama government has defended the project, stating that it will undergo an In-Depth Environmental Impact Assessment and that the project location has no connection to the Vjosa Delta.

As the protests continue, Albanians are concerned about the future of their country and the potential for further corruption. The protests have been described as the largest in Albania since 1991, with many calling for Rama’s resignation and early elections under international monitors.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.