Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has stirred controversy after reposting an AI-generated video on his Instagram account depicting himself in a leather mini skirt and bra, describing its creator as deserving praise.
According to Euronews, the video referenced comments Rama made at a public event on June 7, where he slammed influencers and bloggers supporting protests against a luxury tourism project to be constructed on Albania’s southern coast.
Rama argued that many social media personalities profit from online promotion but contribute little in taxes, and went on to suggest that bloggers parody him in costume competitions.
The protests center on a major resort project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law US President Donald Trump and to his daughter Ivanka Trump. The development includes plans for hotels, villas, apartments and a marina across the Narta Lagoon area and the nearby island of Sazan. Albanian authorities have granted special investor status to a firm connected to Kushner.
The government says the project will boost investment, strengthen Albania’s tourism sector and support the country’s broader economic ambitions. Critics, however, argue that construction threatens one of Albania’s most important biodiversity areas currently under protected status and a key stopover for migratory birds along the Adriatic coast.
Environmental groups have condemned recent construction activity, including land clearing, excavation and fencing within protected areas. Public concern has also intensified following footage showing an activist being forcibly removed by a private security guard during a demonstration at the site.
This is not the first time Rama uses humor to get his message across. During a Q&A session at the Delphi Economic Forum in spring, Rama addressed controversial comments he made regarding ancient Greek philosopher Plato, among others. Rama said his remarks were meant in a humorous manner and as a way to lighten the tone of a panel discussion.
