Violent protests in Albania over luxury resort linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner

Police in Albania have clashed with protesters during an anti-government demonstration linked to a luxury resort connected to Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Officers fired tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon at demonstrators outside parliament in the capital Tirana on Thursday after some protesters threw rocks, eggs and plastic bottles.

Authorities said 12 police officers were injured and 18 protesters were detained.

The demonstration is part of a wave of daily protests known as the "flamingo revolution", which began more than a month ago over plans for a luxury development at Narta Lagoon on Albania's Adriatic coast.

Campaigners say the project could threaten habitats used by protected migratory birds, including flamingos.

But the protests have since widened into broader demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama and his socialist government.

Thousands have taken to the streets in recent weeks, blowing whistles and carrying cardboard cut-outs of flamingos.

On Thursday, several hundred protesters gathered outside the Albanian parliament, calling for Mr Rama to resign and chanting "Rama has to go to jail."

Some demonstrators used part of a metal barrier to smash the windows of a police car before officers moved in to disperse the crowd.

"The protesters want their voice to be heard inside (the parliament), as the prime minister for so many days has not heard them and has ignored them," said protester Agustela Thoma.

"But enough is enough."

Albania's government says the resort would be transformational for the former communist country as it tries to develop its high-end tourism sector and pursue European Union membership.

But the project, which covers an abandoned island and a nearby stretch of coastline, has faced strong opposition from environmental groups as well as critics of Mr Rama's administration.

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari condemned "the acts of vandalism and criminal violence" against the police.

"Police officers are public servants, citizens of the Republic, and family members just like everyone else.

"They serve the law, public order, and the safety of every citizen, without distinction. An attack against them is an attack against the state," the minister added.

(c) Sky News 2026: Violent protests in Albania over luxury resort linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kush