FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Citizens return to the square to oppose the investment in Zvërnec, while the police have placed metal barriers in the Ura e Lanës area, due to the Albania-Israel match...
For the fourth day in a row, hundreds of citizens and activists have gathered in Tirana to protest against the tourist project planned to be built in Zvërnec.
The rally began at Skanderbeg Square, where protesters gathered with banners and slogans against the project, and then continued their march towards the Prime Minister's Office. Organizers report a high turnout, as opposition to the investment continues to mobilize citizens from various social groups.
With banners reading messages such as “Zvërneci is not touched,” “Cancel the project,” and “Albania is not for sale,” the protesters are demanding a halt to the investment, which the government says is worth around 4 billion euros. According to them, the opposition is not related to investment or economic development, but to the protection of one of the most important natural areas in the country.
The protest included environmental activists, youth, family members, and citizens of all ages. There were also banners with critical messages against the political class, while some protesters expressed distrust of the institutions that are supporting the project.
Unlike previous days, this Tuesday the police have placed a metal fence in the area of the Ura e Lanës, blocking the main entrance to the Prime Minister's Office. Official sources link the measure to the security measures taken for the friendly match between Albania and Israel, which will be played tonight in Tirana.
" This area is a security zone for the Albania-Israel match. That is why this measure was taken. These are security measures that are taken at every match and we cannot make any changes today ," said the Director General of Police, Skënder Hita.
However, the installation of the barriers has attracted the attention of protesters, as it limits access to the area in front of the Prime Minister's Office building, the usual destination of the march. The situation is expected to be tested when the protesters reach the security perimeter, while the possibility of tensions cannot be ruled out if they seek to approach the institution.
Today's mobilization comes after successive protests against the project in Zvërnec. The debate intensified after weekend events in the coastal area, where there were clashes between protesters and private security workers, images of which were later widely shared on social media.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama has continued to call on opponents of the project to accept the dialogue proposed by the government. The head of government has requested that protesters select up to 20 representatives for a public meeting, where he said all concerns related to investment, transparency and environmental protection can be discussed.
The invitation for dialogue has brought mixed reactions among protesters, while organizers have announced that opposition to the project will continue in the coming days.
On the other hand, the government continues to defend the investment, considering it one of the largest tourism projects ever planned in Albania, with a significant impact on the economy, employment, and tourism development.
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