Dua Lipa backs protests against Albania luxury resort project

British singer Dua Lipa has voiced her support for ongoing protests in Albania against a controversial luxury resort project backed by the Trump family, raising concerns over environmental protection and public consultation.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, the Grammy-winning artist shared her views on the demonstrations, saying she was deeply concerned about the way environmental laws had been changed without proper public involvement.

Dua Lipa said one of her biggest concerns was how the Albanian government could amend environmental protection legislation without consulting the people who would be directly affected by the decision.

She described the protests taking place across Albania as inspiring and praised citizens for speaking out in defense of the country’s natural environment. According to the singer, the issue goes beyond a single development project and reflects a broader structural problem that should be addressed through transparency, dialogue, and meaningful public participation.

“The problem is clearly structural, and it needs to be resolved through public consultation,” she said, emphasizing the importance of giving communities a voice before major environmental decisions are made.

The controversy centers on a large-scale luxury resort development planned for Albania’s Sazan Island and the nearby Zvernec area. The project became possible after Albania’s parliament approved amendments to environmental protection laws in December 2024, clearing the way for the construction of nearly 10,000 luxury villas.

Opposition to the development intensified in late May this year when authorities began installing barbed-wire fencing along sections of the coastline and bulldozers arrived to begin preparations for construction. These actions triggered demonstrations by environmental activists, local residents, and campaigners who argue that the project threatens one of Albania’s most valuable coastal ecosystems.

Protesters warn that the development could severely damage habitats that support rare seabirds, flamingos, and other wildlife native to the islands. Environmental groups have also expressed concerns that large-scale construction could permanently alter the region’s biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystem.

The movement opposing the resort has become widely known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” a name symbolizing the campaign to protect Albania’s unique natural heritage from large-scale commercial development.

Dua Lipa’s remarks have added international attention to the growing environmental movement, with supporters hoping that increased global awareness will encourage greater scrutiny of the project and its potential ecological impact.

We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com