Albanian police used water cannon and pepper spray against anti-government protesters outside parliament in Tirana on July 23, before demonstrators regrouped and marched to the prime minister's office, ATA reported.

The rally was the 54th since the movement began in the coastal village of Zvërnec on May 23, driven by a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at the protected Vjosa-Narta wetlands and Sazan Island. What started as an environmental dispute has become the largest sustained unrest since the fall of communism, with demonstrators now demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.

Clashes began after protesters threw eggs, tomatoes and other objects at officers guarding the parliament building.

Demonstrators gathered in Skanderbeg Square carrying banners and calling for Rama's resignation and an end to what they described as an entrenched political establishment.

Protesters repeated demands for changes to the electoral law, repeal of the strategic investor legislation known as the Mountain Package, and amendments to laws governing protected areas and cultural heritage.

Albania amended its environmental protection law in 2024 to permit developments described as structures of excellence rated five stars or above, a change that has become central to the dispute. Rama acknowledged last month that an environmental impact assessment for the resort had not begun.

A representative of the Albanian community in Western Australia told the rally that demonstrators had the backing of Albanians abroad. Parallel protests have been held in Berlin, Rome, London, Cologne and Paris.

Several speakers urged protesters to remain united and peaceful. One demonstrator said the movement's sole objective was Rama's resignation and that the protest was not directed against the police.

The Vjosa-Narta landscape hosts more than 200 bird species, including the flamingos that gave the movement its name, along with monk seals and sea turtles.