Zvernec, June 05 (Albania Journal) – Thousands of people marched through the streets of Tirana late on Thursday in the biggest demonstration this week against plans for a luxury resort linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) project, backed by Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, is planned for an undeveloped stretch of Albania’s southern coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected area. The wetland is home to flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals and sea turtle nesting sites, making it one of the country’s most ecologically significant regions.
Environmental groups say the development could damage hundreds of hectares of untouched beaches and threaten the habitat of thousands of flamingos that breed and migrate through the area every year.
Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj said Albania hosts more than 1% of the world’s flamingo population, underlining the international importance of the site.
“Of course, it’s very important to have investments in the country. It’s very important for the economy, but you have to choose very wisely where to build it. There is a reason why this area is called a protected area,” Selgjekaj told Reuters.
The arrival of heavy machinery and the start of preliminary ground works sparked local protests last week, which quickly grew into larger demonstrations in the capital.
‘Albania Is Not for Sale’
Protesters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday night, carrying pink inflatable flamingos and chanting “Revolution” and “Stop the project.” One banner read: “Edi Rama, resign.”
Many demonstrators argued that the development would put private interests ahead of Albania’s natural and cultural heritage.
“Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people and we decide what we want to do here. It’s not that some corrupt politicians who run Albania can decide what they can do with our property, with the Albanian heritage, the natural heritage, a cultural heritage,” said writer Lindita Komani, who joined the protest.
On Friday, local residents returned to the project site while police maintained a presence in the area. No builders or heavy machinery were visible after days of preparation work.
Prime Minister Rama has defended the investment, while the developers have said the project will focus on “responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement.”
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said environmental impact assessments are currently being prepared and that the project would have to fully comply with Albanian and European environmental legislation. She added that legal safeguards are in place to protect the Vjosa-Narta lagoon and surrounding habitats, according to Albania’s state news agency ATA.
Kushner unveiled plans for the Albanian resort in 2024 as part of a broader regional investment strategy that also included the redevelopment of a former military headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia. He later withdrew from the Serbia project after facing public opposition and street protests.
