Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended plans for a proposed multibillion-euro tourism resort near the protected Zvërnec Lagoon, rejecting accusations that his government weakened environmental protections to facilitate the investment.

In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Rama said the land in question is privately owned and that negotiations are taking place between landowners and prospective investors. He stressed that no final development plan has been approved and that Albanian institutions are carefully reviewing the project to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

"There is no final plan yet," Rama said. "The process is being followed very carefully by our institutions to guarantee that the project will respect the rules and standards that are important to us."

Responding to claims that the government had amended legislation to make construction possible in protected areas, Rama denied that environmental safeguards had been weakened.

"No changes have been made to allow construction in protected areas where building is prohibited," he said, adding that Albania's protected areas are managed according to European Union conservation categories, which provide different levels of protection depending on the classification of each site.

The interview also addressed reports of construction activity inside the protected lagoon despite the absence of a building permit. Rama maintained that no construction permit has been issued for the project, but said Albanian law allows property owners to fence private land and obtain temporary permits for preparatory work, including environmental impact assessments.

Asked about ongoing legal disputes over land ownership, Rama argued that state institutions must rely on legally recognized property documents rather than unresolved ownership claims.

"Anyone may have claims," he said. "But for a claim to have legal value, it must be confirmed by the courts."

Pressed on whether he bears political responsibility for ensuring transparency, Rama rejected suggestions that the government has withheld information.

"Transparency is fully visible," he said. "As Prime Minister, I do not tell stories. Others do."

Despite the controversy surrounding the project, Rama indicated that the government remains open to the investment, estimated at more than €4 billion, while insisting that it will move forward only if it ultimately meets the required standards.

"We cannot simply say no to an investment worth more than four billion euros," Rama said. "If the final outcome is not satisfactory, then we will not proceed."

The proposed development has sparked weeks of demonstrations across Albania, with protesters accusing the government of lacking transparency and enabling corruption. The movement, known as the "Flamingo Revolution," initially centered on protecting the Zvërnec Lagoon before expanding to broader political grievances.

Rama said he respects citizens' right to protest and distinguishes between ordinary demonstrators and those organizing the movement.

"I have nothing against people who protest," he said. "They have every right to express their views, to criticize and even to oppose me."

According to Rama, while the flamingo has remained a symbol of the demonstrations, the protests have evolved beyond the Zvërnec project itself, reflecting wider public concerns.

"The protest movement has two parts," he said. "On one side are ordinary citizens, for whom I have great respect and whose concerns I try to understand. On the other are the organizers who lead and direct these protests. They are two completely different things."