Dua Lipa Calls Albania Protests Against Trump Project Inspiring

Dua Lipa expressed her support for demonstrations in Albania against a luxury real estate project backed by the Trump family in a protected natural reserve. Protests against the development of 1,400 acres on the abandoned island of Sazan have continued for more than six consecutive weeks.

The singer, who has Kosovar-Albanian parents, now joins the tens of thousands who marched in Tirana against construction in the south of the country. Local media have called this movement Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution.”

The Albanian parliament controversially expedited the business project in December 2024, when it modified strict legislation on construction in environmentally sensitive areas. Dua Lipa stated on her Service95 Book Club podcast: “What I really find concerning is the principle that the government could simply change the law to remove environmental protection without any kind of public consultation.”

The 30-year-old pop star said during an episode with Albanian author Lea Ypi: “I find it so inspiring to see how much people really care.” The singer has used her global platform to amplify the concerns of Albanian protesters.

The peninsula is located within the Vjosa-Narta Delta, recognized as one of Europe’s most important coastal ecosystems. It is home to 70 endangered species, including the monk seal and loggerhead sea turtle. It also harbors migratory birds, flamingos, and the Dalmatian pelican that depend on this habitat for survival. The Trump family’s plans involved major construction on Sazan, along with a $4.7 billion deal for 10,000 additional villas on the Zvernec peninsula.

What Are the Flamingo Revolution Protests?

The demonstrations received this name due to the presence of migratory flamingos in the protected area where development is planned. Tens of thousands of people have marched in Tirana and other cities against the project by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Protesters carry signs and wave Albania’s national flag while demanding immediate environmental protection. Environmental organizations reported that bulldozers were brought to the site on the Zvernec Peninsula before proper permits were obtained.

The Albanian government argues that the development will be transformative for the country, seeking to boost tourism and support its candidacy for European Union membership. Prime Minister Edi Rama has been forced to dismiss accusations that he is the “Godfather” behind a corruption system in the country. People say I’m responsible for all of this. I tell them: ‘go to hell.’ It’s that simple, Rama stated. It’s not up to me to prove I’m not the Godfather, it’s up to them to prove I am.

The development could even pose a risk to Albania’s EU accession talks according to European lawmakers. European legislators warned that negotiations are at risk if the government does not “change course” on the plans. Dutch MEP Tineke Strik told The Guardian while heading a European Parliament investigative mission in the Balkan nation: “If Rama is truly serious about his EU ambitions, he should withdraw from this trajectory and tell the Trump clan: ‘I’m sorry, the EU is my first priority.’”

Why Is the Natural Reserve Important?

The Vjosa-Narta Delta is recognized by conservationists as one of the most important coastal ecosystems across the entire European continent. It is home to 70 endangered species including the monk seal and loggerhead sea turtle. Migratory birds, flamingos, and the Dalmatian pelican depend on this habitat for their annual survival. The construction of 10,000 villas and a luxury resort would permanently destroy this irreplaceable ecosystem.