For the last two weeks, Albanians have been protesting against a planned luxury resort near Vlora, backed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump. The development would occupy parts of an environmentally sensitive area, including the uninhabited outcrop of Sazan and wetlands and coastal habitats in the surrounding marine national park.
Environmental Concerns
The area is home to the Mediterranean monk seal and more than 200 bird species, including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans, according to BirdLife International. Protesters gathered along the main boulevard outside the Prime Minister's Office in Tirana on 15 June 2026 to voice their opposition.
Land Confiscation Issues
On Saturday, villagers from Rrjoll, located in an area of sandy beaches and pine forests in north-western Albania, protested against another development project, claiming it was being built on their confiscated land.
The protests have sparked a national conversation about the balance between development and environmental preservation. The Albanian government has yet to comment on the protests or the future of the projects.
