TIRANA, June 21 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday criticised protests against a planned investment project in the coastal area of Zvërnec, southern Albania, arguing that public debates are increasingly shaped by misinformation, half-truths and social media algorithms rather than facts.
In his weekly message, Rama drew on a reference from French writer Stendhal’s novel The Charterhouse of Parma, comparing modern public discourse to the disillusionment experienced by the character Fabrice del Dongo when confronted with the reality of the Battle of Waterloo.
According to him, the story of Fabrice del Dongo serves as a metaphor for the modern age, in which illusions and false narratives spread through social media and algorithms, shaping people’s perceptions of reality.
The government head said many people join environmental protests with sincere intentions, but questioned whether some were being influenced by narratives serving interests unrelated to environmental protection.
“It is important to verify the facts,” Rama said. “When emotions are fuelled by half-truths, images taken out of context and slogans that spread faster than evidence, sincere idealism can become an instrument in the hands of those pursuing entirely different interests.”
The Prime Minister said his government had prioritised environmental protection through measures including restrictions on illegal hunting, forest conservation and the protection of biodiversity and protected areas.
Referring specifically to protests against the proposed Zvërnec development, Rama said the debate should focus on the merits and possible improvements of the project rather than opposition based on incomplete information.
“Flamingos do not need crowds swept away by algorithm-driven hysteria,” Rama said. “They need discussions based on facts and cooperation.”
He argued that some opposition to the project was being driven by political and ideological agendas rather than concerns specific to the Zvërnec and Narta ecosystem.
Rama said the project remains under development and has not yet reached its final form, adding that public discussion should aim to improve the proposal rather than reject it before all details are available.
“We are here to do what is best for Albania, for nature, for Zvërnec and for the flamingos,” Rama said. “But that requires cooperation with reality, sharing facts and discussing how the project can be made as effective as possible.”
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