Former Socialist Foreign Minister says protests are a domestic movement, not a foreign operation, as Albania faces growing debate over government-backed development projects
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| Ditmir Bushati |
Bushati, who served as foreign minister during Rama’s Socialist Party government, said Albania’s strategic orientation remains firmly tied to the United States and rejected suggestions that Tehran has any meaningful influence over political developments inside the country.
His comments came after the international magazine The Atlantic examined the wave of protests that have spread across Albania in recent weeks, describing them as a broader confrontation over political power, public trust, and the future direction of the country.
Zvërnec Incident Became a Turning Point
According to the report, the protests began after a video circulated showing private security personnel allegedly assaulting and dragging a citizen along the coast of Zvërnec, an area connected to planned tourism developments involving companies linked to the Trump family.
Bushati described the incident as a moment that changed the nature of the public debate.
“What started as a conflict over access to the sea and nature quickly became a revolt over who has the authority to decide the future of the country,” Bushati said.
Thousands of citizens later gathered in Tirana, carrying banners with messages including “Albania is not for sale” and “We don’t want Albania like Dubai.”
Prime Minister Rama has defended the development plans and said there is no possibility of stopping the project while he remains in office.
Rama Accuses Foreign Actors, Protesters Reject Claims
As demonstrations expanded, political tensions increased. Rama has questioned the domestic nature of the protests, accusing foreign actors and groups opposed to Albania’s international alliances of attempting to manipulate public opinion.
The prime minister has specifically blamed what he described as “enemies of Israel and Albania” as well as opponents of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Rama has also accused Iran of conducting what he called a “hybrid war” by spreading misinformation about tourism projects and supporting opposition to government plans. Tehran has denied the allegations.
Bushati rejected the accusations, arguing that the protests are rooted in Albanian social and political concerns rather than foreign interference.
“Iran has no influence whatsoever in Albania. This is a country that proudly stands in the orbit of the United States,” Bushati stated.
Albania’s Strategic Alliance With the United States
Albania has maintained close relations with Washington for decades and has been one of the strongest U.S. partners in the Western Balkans.
The country also has a unique historical relationship with Israel. During World War II, many Albanians protected Jewish refugees through the traditional principle of besa, a code of honor emphasizing protection of guests and those in need.
In recent years, Albania became a target of Iranian criticism after agreeing in 2013, at the request of the United States and the United Nations, to host members of the Iranian opposition group People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran.
In 2022, Albania expelled Iranian diplomats after authorities concluded that Tehran was responsible for cyberattacks targeting Albanian government infrastructure. Iran rejected those accusations.
Protests Draw International Attention
The demonstrations have attracted attention from across the political spectrum internationally.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders praised the protests as opposition to what he described as global oligarchic influence, while far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones commented on the situation using claims of possible civil conflict.
Despite these contrasting reactions, Bushati argued that the protests represent a significant moment for Albania’s democratic development.
He described the movement as:
“The best investment in our image as a people and in our path toward the European Union.”
Bushati also claimed that up to 200,000 people participated in mobilizations during the weekend of July 4, rejecting suggestions that the demonstrations were the result of external manipulation.
Land Ownership Disputes Add Complexity to Tourism Projects
While political accusations continue, the controversy surrounding the planned developments also involves unresolved property issues.
The island of Sazan, where part of the tourism project is planned, is state-owned, meaning any long-term development would require a lease agreement. The consortium connected to the Trump family currently holds strategic investor status, which provides advantages in negotiations and administrative procedures.
Meanwhile, coastal land in Zvërnec remains disputed.
Companies connected to the Trump family reportedly purchased the land from Miami-based businessman Artur Shehu, who claims his family’s ownership rights date back to the Ottoman period. Local residents, however, argue that they are the rightful owners.
The dispute reflects Albania’s broader unresolved property challenges following decades of communist-era nationalization. When properties were returned after the fall of communism in the 1990s, many ownership claims remained contested, creating legal conflicts that continue today.
A Domestic Movement or Foreign Influence?
The central question surrounding Albania’s protests remains whether they represent a genuine grassroots movement or whether outside actors are attempting to exploit public dissatisfaction.
For Bushati and many protesters, the answer is clear: the demonstrations are a domestic reaction to concerns over transparency, land rights, and government decision-making.
As Albania continues its path toward European Union membership, the protests have become a major test of public trust, institutional accountability, and the relationship between economic development and citizens’ rights.