Protests in Albania over the Kushner resort have escalated into clashes with police
In Albania’s capital, Tirana, peaceful protests against the construction of a luxury coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner escalated into clashes with police. At least six people were detained during the clashes. Protesters also began demanding the government’s resignation and a change in political course.
In Albania’s capital, Tirana, protests that had been ongoing for several weeks escalated into clashes with police on Tuesday. According to local and international media reports, at least six protesters were detained. Initially, people took to the streets to protest a project to build a luxury resort on the country’s pristine southern coast. The project is linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has sparked additional public outcry.
Over time, the protesters’ demands expanded. In addition to criticizing the construction itself, protesters began demanding the resignation of the government and the opposition, as well as the repeal of laws governing investment and environmental policy. In their view, these regulations pave the way for projects that could threaten the country’s natural environment. On Sunday and Monday, European politicians from the Green Party joined the protests. They addressed the crowd and called for a halt to the resort project, emphasizing the need to protect Albania’s natural coastline.
On Tuesday, tensions escalated near the parliament building, where approximately 200 protesters gathered as lawmakers arrived for a session. Some protesters began throwing eggs at the politicians’ cars and demanding their resignation. After that, police began pushing back the crowd, but tensions only escalated. According to eyewitnesses, some protesters threw water bottles and rocks at the parliament building and official vehicles, leading to further clashes and arrests. “Some people sustained minor injuries during the clashes,” eyewitnesses reported.
Following the incidents, some protesters marched to the police station, demanding the release of those detained and accusing law enforcement of excessive force. The situation in Tirana remains tense, and the protests are gradually taking on a broader political character, moving beyond purely environmental issues, according to Politico.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the country’s government will not abandon its plans to implement two large-scale projects to build luxury resorts, which are financed by Jared Kushner’s investment company — the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The head of the Albanian Cabinet called the opposition’s daily rallies “hysteria” and assured that the pressure would not force the government to roll back the reforms.
In Albania, anti-corruption prosecutors have launched an investigation into a large-scale project to build a luxury tourist resort. The initiative in question is linked to the investment company Affinity Partners, headed by Jared Kushner — the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. Law enforcement officials are investigating possible violations during the project’s planning and implementation.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the country is prepared to agree even to a temporary restriction on the right to a national veto if this helps speed up its accession to the European Union.
