By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Albania’s capital, Tirana, on Thursday night in what has become the largest protest yet against a proposed €1.4 billion luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Protesters, environmental activists, and local residents argue that the project threatens one of Albania’s most valuable natural ecosystems and symbolizes the growing influence of powerful foreign investors over the country’s natural heritage.
The planned resort, backed by Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, is set to be built along an undeveloped stretch of Albania’s southern Adriatic coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected area. The region is internationally recognized for its rich biodiversity and serves as a critical habitat for flamingos, sea turtles, seals, and numerous migratory bird species. Environmental groups warn that large-scale construction in the area could cause irreversible damage to sensitive ecosystems that have remained largely untouched for generations.
Concerns intensified after heavy construction equipment and preliminary groundwork operations appeared at the site in recent weeks. The activity sparked local demonstrations that quickly expanded into nationwide protests, culminating in thousands gathering outside the offices of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Demonstrators carried pink inflatable flamingos, waved banners, and chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of the project. Several signs accused the government of prioritizing private interests over environmental protection, while others called on Rama to resign.
Among the protesters was writer Lindita Komani, who voiced concerns that the project represents a broader pattern of decisions being made without adequate public consultation. “Albania is not for sale,” she declared. “The country belongs to its people, and decisions regarding its natural and cultural heritage should not be made solely by political leaders or wealthy investors.”
Environmental experts have also raised alarms about the potential impact on wildlife. Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj noted that Albania hosts more than one percent of the world’s flamingo population, making the protection of the Vjosa-Narta region globally significant. She acknowledged the importance of foreign investment and economic development but argued that projects of this scale should be carefully located to avoid damaging protected ecosystems.
“There is a reason this area has protected status,” Selgjekaj said. “Economic growth is important, but it must be balanced with environmental responsibility. Once habitats like these are destroyed, they cannot easily be restored.”
The controversy highlights a growing debate within Albania over how to balance economic development with environmental conservation. Supporters of the project argue that the luxury resort could generate significant employment opportunities, boost tourism revenues, and attract international investment to the region. Government officials have repeatedly emphasized the economic benefits they believe the development could bring.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has publicly defended the project, while developers insist that environmental stewardship will remain a central priority throughout construction and operation. According to representatives of the development, the resort will incorporate sustainability measures and adhere to environmental regulations.
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, stated that comprehensive environmental impact assessments are currently being prepared. She stressed that the development must fully comply with both Albanian environmental laws and European Union standards before any final approvals are granted. Ibrahimaj also pointed to existing legal safeguards designed to prevent damage to the protected lagoon and surrounding habitats.
Despite these assurances, skepticism remains high among activists, many of whom fear that economic interests will ultimately outweigh environmental concerns. Their doubts have been reinforced by similar development disputes across the Balkans, where large tourism projects have often faced criticism over their environmental consequences.
The proposed Albanian resort is not the first project involving Kushner to encounter public opposition in the region. In 2024, Kushner announced a broader investment strategy in the Balkans that included redevelopment plans for a former military site in Belgrade, Serbia. However, that project was eventually abandoned following sustained public protests and political pressure.
As demonstrations continue, the future of the Albanian resort remains uncertain. The dispute has evolved beyond a local environmental issue into a broader national debate about conservation, development, transparency, and the role of foreign investors in shaping the country’s future.
For many protesters, the fight is about more than a single resort—it is about preserving a unique natural landscape that they believe belongs to future generations as much as it does to the present one.
Source Reuters
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