Albanian police block protesters as anti-government 'flamingo revolution' turns violent

Police in Albania blocked protesters from reaching parliament on Tuesday as the latest rally against a luxury development linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, turned violent

The march was staged as parliament resumed from a summer recess and after the demonstrations marked their 100th day on Monday. They challenged a police cordon in the centre of the capital, Tirana, pelting officers in riot gear with eggs and tomatoes.

Cars transporting lawmakers to the parliament building were confronted by the crowds and were hit with plastic water bottles before police intervened to let them through.

Dubbed the “flamingo revolution” for protesters’ signs depicting the pink bird that could be harmed by the coastal development, the anti-government protests have rocked Albania.

Although Albanian officials have avoided giving details of Kushner’s role in the project, Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, has spoken about her family’s involvement in the venture, describing it as an “incredible project”.

The protests are aimed at stopping the massive project that critics say would cause environmental damage and limit public access to the coast.