Mass Protest in Albania Over Luxury Resort Development
Albanians Rally Against Proposed Resort
A large group of Albanians took to the streets this week to voice opposition to a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner’s investment firm, which they believe threatens a protected coastal area home to various wildlife species. Demonstrators voiced their discontent in the capital, Tirana, with signs stating “Albania is not for sale” and calls directed at Ivanka Trump to protect the Vjosa-Narta wetland from development threats.
The protests continued throughout the week and reached a peak on Thursday. Heavy machinery, such as excavators, has been present at the site since last month, prompting increased concern among locals. Lindita Komani, a writer participating in the protests, expressed that Albania should be managed by its people, emphasizing the importance of preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Environmental Concerns and Calls for Action
Environmentalists are alarmed at the prospect of the resort encroaching on the wetland area, which provides habitat to flamingos, seals, and nesting sea turtles. Criticism of Prime Minister Edi Rama has escalated, with protesters demanding his resignation. Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj highlighted that Albania supports over 1% of the global flamingo population, underlining the significance of preserving the protected areas for both ecological and economic reasons.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a condemnation of the ongoing development, stressing the vital importance of the Vjosa-Narta ecosystem. The area, invaluable to migratory birds and endangered species like the Mediterranean monk seal, faces systematic degradation due to the current construction activities that disregard transparency and compliance with environmental regulations.
Peaceful Protests Escalate
Though largely peaceful, the protests have occasionally resulted in violence, with clashes reported between demonstrators and security forces. Police utilized water cannons against protesters on Wednesday, intensifying the unrest. The demonstrations form part of a broader wave against government corruption in Albania, which has seen similar instances of violent confrontation and arrests.
Resort Project Details and Legal Implications
The development consists of two main components: a coastal project in the Narta Lagoon area and a smaller resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan. Concerns have been raised about the environmental implications of these developments. An inquiry by the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is examining decisions from 2024 that changed the legal status of these lands, paving the way for the tourism initiative approved in December 2025.
Backed by Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, the project aims to transform Albania’s coastline by introducing up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. Prime Minister Rama defended the initiative, framing it as pivotal to enhancing Albania’s tourism sector.
In a previous interview, Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development, spoke to Newsweek about the project’s potential. He emphasized responsible stewardship and the creation of long-term value for local communities.
Ivanka Trump recounted discovering the island during a casual swim and hike, attracting attention for its untapped potential. It’s noteworthy that Kushner’s investment ventures have faced similar protests elsewhere, with legal proceedings in Serbia over document falsification tied to a comparable project.