TIRANA, July 5 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday rejected claims circulating on social media that Porto Palermo Bay would be privatized and developed into a private villa complex inaccessible to the public, describing the allegations as part of a disinformation campaign.
In a social media post, Rama said the content was fabricated, including through the use of artificial intelligence, and accused online actors of spreading false information about government plans for the southern coastal site.
Addressing references to architectural masterplans featured in the book Albania Files, the government head said the projects were privately commissioned proposals for privately owned land and that some had never received approval from the National Territorial Council (KKT).
He said the government had, in fact, moved to protect Porto Palermo from development by designating the bay a natural monument. Rama added that authorities are finalizing plans, in cooperation with the ministries of Defence and Culture, to establish a Cold War Museum at the site’s tunnel complex and rehabilitate a nearby former military facility for tourism purposes.
According to Rama, multiple construction requests for the area have been rejected over the years, citing concerns related to property ownership disputes and environmental protection.
The Prime Minister also warned about the growing impact of online disinformation, describing it as one of the major challenges facing public debate and access to reliable information.
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