Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed back against international media coverage of ongoing protests related to the proposed development project in Zvërnec, questioning reports that have portrayed the demonstrations as a large-scale national movement.

In a statement published on social media platform X, Rama addressed international news organizations, including CNN, as well as content creators and users across major digital platforms. The prime minister argued that the scale of the protests has been exaggerated in both media reports and online discussions.

According to Rama, the latest demonstration in Tirana drew approximately 2,000 participants, making it the smallest gathering since the protests began. He added that attendance at previous rallies had never exceeded 8,000 people at their peak.

The prime minister questioned how a local protest involving several thousand participants had evolved into what he described as an international media spectacle. He also raised broader concerns about the role of social media and digital platforms in shaping public perception, arguing that narratives and assumptions can spread globally before key facts are fully established.

Rama further emphasized that no final development project has yet been approved. According to his statement, there is currently no construction permit, no ongoing construction work, and no finalized project design for the proposed development in Zvërnec.

The Albanian leader described the initiative as part of a broader vision to position Albania as a premier high-end tourism destination in the region. He also claimed that the current concept would include environmental improvements, including an increase in green spaces and tree coverage, as well as measurable gains in biodiversity indicators.

The Zvërnec project has become the focus of growing public debate in recent weeks, with opponents arguing that the development could threaten protected natural areas, while government officials maintain that the proposal remains in the planning stage and is intended to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.