Protests Surge Against Albanian Coastal Project Tied to Kushner and Trump

Police in Tirana, Albania, halted traffic as demonstrators protested against a proposed luxury coastal project on June 3, 2026. The development, linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, raises concerns over its environmental impact and transparency issues. The project is opposed by environmental activists and critics of Albania’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama.

The government suggests the project could significantly elevate Albania’s tourism industry and aid its European Union membership efforts. However, activists fear adverse effects on the Adriatic coast’s wildlife and ecosystems.

Project Overview

The luxury project will transform two locations: the Narta Lagoon, a wildlife reserve, and Sazan, an uninhabited island previously a military base. The plan includes hotels, villas, a marina, and more. Ivanka Trump explained in an interview that they discovered the area by chance during a boat trip.

An investment firm connected to Kushner was recognized as a special investor by Albanian authorities, granting it privileges for this initiative.

Historical Context and Concerns

Albania’s coastline, spanning 450 kilometers, remained underdeveloped due to its communist past. Protesters fear that valuable coastal areas might become accessible to powerful investors. Public discontent intensified after an activist was forcibly removed by security during a site protest.

The planned development is situated in a biodiversity-rich reserve, crucial for migratory birds like pink flamingos. Environmental groups have criticized the ongoing construction activities as detrimental to protected habitats.

Controversy and Government Stance

Albania’s anti-corruption agency has initiated an investigation into the project, though details remain undisclosed. Although the government claims the land is privately held, competing claims challenge the area’s privatization status.

Prime Minister Rama endorses the project, asserting it aligns with Albania’s tourism expansion goals. He views the investment as a significant economic opportunity, with partners set to invest 4 billion euros ($4.6 billion).

Rama emphasized the project’s inevitability during his tenure, despite protests. A similar venture in Serbia, also linked to Kushner, collapsed after legal disputes and corruption charges against officials involved, serving as a cautionary example.