FLASH
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The Catholic Church is standing by the Albanian citizens, with a special event to be held on July 29 in Verona. Meanwhile, in Tirana, the "Flamingo Revolution" is shaking the foundations of the majority...
In Albania, civil unrest has been ongoing for two months. The protests initially began in reaction to a luxury tourism project linked to entrepreneur Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
This project is expected to extend to the island of Sazan and the protected area of Zvërnec, in the Narta Lagoon - an ecosystem known worldwide for the presence of pink flamingos.
Not just the environment: The cause is taking on political and social dimensions
Every evening in Tirana, youth marches and indefinite protests are challenging the authorities. What started out for the environment is now an open protest against the economic model and corruption.
Tensions have reached boiling point. Just two days ago, in front of the parliament building, protesters clashed with police forces, causing several injuries on both sides.
Edi Rama: "Essential project for the renaissance of Albania"
On the other hand, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly defended Kushner's project in several public statements. He has described it as a historic step towards transforming Albania into a world-class tourist destination, guaranteeing that the hotel structures will be built in full respect of European environmental standards.
Bishops' top concern: Transparency against shady deals
Albanian bishops are following developments in the country with the utmost concern and attention. In an official statement, the Episcopal Conference underlined that “Any development in the country must take into account the protection of the environment, as well as respect for the property of others.
Pope Francis, in his Encyclical 'Laudato si', clearly states: "Predicting the environmental impact of enterprises and projects requires transparent political processes open to dialogue, while corruption, which hides the true environmental impact of a project in exchange for favors, often leads to shady deals that avoid the obligation for information and an in-depth debate."
In this context, the clergy demand that environmental assessment, public consultation, and the involvement of local communities and ecological agencies not be overlooked. For the Catholic Church, this is called an “integral development” that must respect every dimension of human and community life.
The clarion call: Let the voice of the people be heard
The Episcopal Conference noted that the massive participation of young people and families in the protests is a clear indicator of deep dissatisfaction with the current political system:
"It is not the Church's duty to find technical or political solutions, but to orient consciences. We are convinced that the voice of the people must be heard and taken into consideration. It is up to politics to find solutions within the democratic framework."
These are the rules of the European democracy we are aiming for. The voice of many people, whose only goal is the well-being of their families and society, and who express dissatisfaction with the actions or inactions of politicians, can no longer be ignored."
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, July 29, at 8:45 PM, at the Unitarian Center for Missionary Cooperation CUM in Verona, the meeting "Albania and its people" will be held, organized by the Diocesan Missionary Center in collaboration with Missio CUM.
The guest of the evening will be Father Flavio Cavallini, Apostolic Administrator of Southern Albania, who will offer his testimony on several current issues: from the so-called “Flamingo Revolution”, which was born in opposition to large luxury tourism projects, to the rapid development of Albania as an international destination, which, however, continues to face the emigration of young people and the deep contradictions that prevail in the Balkans. / Pamphlet from “Vatican News”
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