Albania’s Prime Minister Posts AI Video in Miniskirt to Mock Online Influencers
Albania s PM posts AI video – On June 9, 2026, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama shared an AI-generated video of himself wearing a leather miniskirt and bra on his Instagram account. The post, accompanied by the caption “Whoever made this, well done,” appeared as a pointed critique of social media influencers. The video referenced remarks Rama made during a public address on June 7, where he ridiculed bloggers and influencers who had backed demonstrations against a contentious luxury development project. This project, tied to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, is part of a broader plan to build infrastructure in a conservation area.
Rama’s comments during the June 7 speech centered on the financial motives of influencers. He argued that many of them generate income by promoting their own content on platforms like Instagram, while avoiding state taxes. The prime minister suggested that these individuals should engage in more rigorous self-promotion, such as “one dressed as a flamingo and another dressed as me, to see who wins.” This phrase, which humorously contrasts the influence of social media personas with real-world action, resonated with protesters who had used cardboard cut-outs of pink flamingos as symbols in Tirana’s demonstrations.
“Bloggers should challenge each other, one dressed as a flamingo and another dressed as me and see who wins.”
Protesters had gathered in the capital to oppose the development, which is linked to Ivanka Trump and her family’s interests. The project includes a coastal resort in the Narta Lagoon, a designated wildlife reserve, and a smaller facility on the uninhabited island of Sazan. Sazan, once a communist-era military base, is now a key area for the project, which is intended to boost Albania’s tourism industry and advance its European Union membership goals. However, the plan has sparked significant backlash from environmental advocates and critics of Rama’s long-standing leadership.
The government maintains that the development on Albania’s southern Adriatic coast would be a transformative initiative for the country. It positions the project as essential to modernizing infrastructure and attracting high-end tourism, which could elevate Albania’s global profile. Yet, the same project has drawn accusations of environmental neglect. A prominent local group, among others, has claimed that the development is “irreversibly destroying” protected habitats. The area is recognized as a critical stopover for migratory birds, adding to the ecological significance of the site.
Rama has also expressed skepticism about the sincerity of influencers who joined the protests. He stated that their participation was primarily driven by a desire for public attention rather than a deep understanding of the project’s implications. This view was reinforced by a video that circulated showing an activist being dragged by a private security guard during a demonstration at the development site. The incident fueled public frustration, as many perceived it as an example of corporate power overwhelming grassroots efforts.
Albania’s coastline, stretching over 450 kilometers, has remained largely untouched during decades of communist rule. The new project aims to develop a portion of this pristine area, potentially altering its natural state. The government’s approval of a special investor status for an entity connected to Kushner has further intensified the debate. Critics argue that this decision favors powerful interests, which could lead to the privatization of land in protected zones.
The project’s two components—residential and commercial structures—highlight the scale of the proposed changes. Excavators and heavy machinery have already begun entering the Narta Lagoon area, clearing land and establishing access routes. These activities have been criticized for disrupting the delicate ecosystem of the region. Environmentalists fear that the development will not only impact local biodiversity but also jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the coastline.
Public anger has grown as the project progresses. The video of the activist being dragged by security personnel has become a symbol of the government’s perceived indifference to protester grievances. This moment, captured on camera, has amplified calls for accountability and raised concerns about the balance between economic development and environmental conservation. The opposition to the project is not limited to local groups; international environmental organizations have also condemned the rapid pace of construction.
Despite the criticism, Rama has defended the project as a necessary step for Albania’s economic growth. He emphasized that the development would create jobs and stimulate investment, particularly in a country where tourism has long been a cornerstone of the economy. However, the prime minister’s own AI video has become a focal point of the controversy, blending humor with a broader critique of how social media figures shape public opinion without tangible impact.
Albania’s 450-kilometer coastline, which saw minimal development during communist rule, now stands at the center of a heated debate. While the government sees the project as a gateway to European integration, environmentalists warn of irreversible damage to the region’s natural heritage. The contrast between Rama’s playful self-deprecation and the serious implications of the development project underscores the tensions within Albanian society as it grapples with modernization and conservation.
