At the heart of the protest is the planned development near the Vjosa-Narta wetland, one of the country's most precious ecosystems and an important refuge for numerous bird species. In the streets of the capital, hundreds of inflatable pink flamingos symbolized the protesters' determination to protect this natural space, which they believe is threatened by urbanization. What began as an environmental mobilization has gradually transformed into a broader political debate. Opponents of the project accuse the government of prioritizing the interests of foreign investors over the needs of the population, particularly in the areas of health, education, and public infrastructure. The authorities, on the other hand, defend the project, presenting it as a driver of economic growth and tourism development, in a context where Albania is pursuing closer ties with the European Union. But the controversy has taken on a new dimension with the opening of an investigation by the Albanian Special Anti-Corruption and Anti-Organized Crime Unit, known as SPAK. The details of this procedure have not been made public. As the protests continue, the issue has become one of the most sensitive political topics in the country, intertwining environmental concerns, economic development, and governance.
