PM says airport blockade is hurting tourism

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says protesters are hurting the country’s tourism season after blocking the road to Tirana airport.

Rama said people were free to protest peacefully, but not to block thousands of travellers or damage Albania’s image abroad.

He said the protest was no longer just about proposed developments in Sazan and Zvërnec, two coastal areas at the centre of environmental concerns.

Rama said hotel cancellations and road blockades could hurt families and businesses that depend on tourism.

He accused what he called “destructive forces” of taking control of the protest.

But he said the government would listen to the peaceful protesters and respond to their concerns.