Albanian prime minister rejects claims over planned coastal development, says no final project or building permit exists
TIRANA, June 9 (BV) – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama pushed back on criticism from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders over protests against a planned tourism development in Zvërnec, saying Albania should not be used as a political tool in foreign debates.
“With all due respect, Senator, Albania is a state, not a line in an American political debate,” Rama said in response to Sanders.
Rama said claims that the project represented an environmental disaster were premature, arguing that no final project, construction permit or approved development plan currently exists.
“What exists today is a planning process involving internationally known architects, landscape designers, environmental experts and social impact consultants,” Rama said.
The prime minister said the planned development aimed to create “sustainable elite tourism” with more green areas, more trees and stronger biodiversity outcomes.
He rejected claims that Albania was selling public assets or allowing uncontrolled construction, saying the debate had been distorted by misinformation and viral outrage.
“Disagreement is legitimate. Environmental scrutiny is welcome. That is how democracies work,” Rama said. “But declaring something an environmental catastrophe before it exists is something else entirely.”
Rama also challenged claims about the size of the protests, saying that fewer than 10,000 demonstrators had been presented as 100,000 in Sanders’ post.
The Zvërnec project has sparked protests in Albania, with activists and residents warning that the development could damage protected coastal ecosystems. Rama’s government says the project remains at the planning stage and will have to meet legal and environmental standards before moving forward.
Rama invited Sanders to visit Albania, saying the country is pursuing its own development path as it works toward European Union membership.
“Albania is not a backdrop for foreign political battles,” Rama said. “It is a small, proud and free country making its own choices and defining its own future.”