Protests in Albania against a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, are set to intensify after opponents rejected a government offer for talks. Thousands have taken to the streets of Tirana for three consecutive days, with some brandishing inflatable flamingos to highlight environmental concerns. Further protests are planned in the south, where construction has begun on the $1.6bn complex in a protected coastal area.
Conservation groups say work has started without proper public consultation or permits. Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), stated: 'From start to finish there has been a total lack of transparency. We have seen no public documentation regarding permits.' The group demands the removal of bulldozers and fences and the restoration of habitats before any dialogue.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as a milestone for Albania's economy, insisting it will bring jobs and investment. However, he also declared: 'There is absolutely no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here.' The development targets Sazan Island and surrounding wetlands in a marine national park, home to endangered species like the Mediterranean monk seal and over 200 bird species, including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans.
Local anger escalated when workers erected a concrete and barbed-wire fence around the site near Zvërnec, installed private security, and began clearing ancient dunes and pine forests for access roads. 'People with land there suddenly couldn't get to it,' Trajce said. 'It's gone beyond an environmental issue now. It's a citizen thing.'
Albania's anti-corruption body, SPAK, has launched an inquiry into legislative changes regarding protected areas adopted in 2024. Developers, including Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, insist on responsible stewardship and job creation. Rama, who won a fourth term on a promise of EU accession by 2030, denies the resort will endanger the coastline, but protesters remain unconvinced.
