Protests erupt in Albania over Trump's son-in-law's resort – The Guardian

For the third day in a row, mass protests have continued in Albania against the construction of a luxury premium-class tourist complex worth $1.6 billion. The project is directly funded by the American investment firm Affinity Partners, which is owned by Jared Kushner—the son-in-law of former and current U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Environmental activists and local residents accuse the Albanian government of completely disregarding environmental standards and making decisions behind closed doors. 

On Wednesday, June 3, thousands of demonstrators filled the central streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana. Many participants held large inflatable pink flamingos, which became the main symbol of the protest. With these birds, activists are drawing attention to the unique coastal ecosystem of wetlands and the adjacent marine national park near Sazan Island (the country’s only island), where large-scale construction is planned. According to environmental organizations, this protected area is a critically important habitat for over 200 bird species, including Dalmatian pelicans, as well as the rare Mediterranean monk seal.

The wave of outrage intensified sharply after heavy construction equipment began building roads near the coastal village of Zvernets without any public hearings, destroying natural sand dunes and centuries-old Mediterranean pine forests. The perimeter of the future construction site has already been fenced off with a concrete fence topped with barbed wire, and armed private security guards have been deployed. Alexander Traiche, executive director of the environmental organization PPNEA, called the developers’ actions “a complete collapse of the rule of law” and stated that anydialogue with the authorities is possible only after the complete removal of the fences and the withdrawal of equipment from the reserve.

Despite fierce public opposition, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed unwavering support for Kushner’s investment project. The head of government categorically stated that during his time in office, “there is absolutely no chance that the investment will be halted.” According to Rama, this megaproject is strategically necessary for transforming Albania from a destination for “cheap mass tourism” into an elite global resort. For his part, Asher Abekhser, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC (which is developing the resort in partnership with Affinity Partners), assured that the company would act responsibly, create jobs, and respect institutional processes.

Amid a public crisis and allegations of political corruption, Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) officially announced the launch of a large-scale investigation. Prosecutors plan to thoroughly investigate controversial amendments to legislation on protected areas, which the Albanian parliament hastily passed in 2024. Critics are convinced that these legislative amendments were introduced by the government deliberately to legalize large-scale construction in previously off-limits environmentally sensitive areas in the interests of foreign investors.

This is reported by the international publication The Guardian.