Albanians Protest Kushner-Backed Coastal Resort

Thousands of people gathered in central Tirana on Thursday to protest plans for a luxury resort on a sensitive stretch of Albania’s Adriatic coast.

The €1.4bn project is linked to Affinity Partners, the investment firm led by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

The resort would be built on an island off the Albanian coast and on undeveloped land near the Vjosa-Narta protected area, an important habitat for flamingos, monk seals, and sea turtles.

Environmental groups warn that the development could affect hundreds of hectares of untouched coastline and threaten bird species that nest or migrate through the area.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks after construction equipment arrived on site and preliminary earthworks began.

Protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office carrying inflatable flamingos and demanding that the government halt the project. Critics argue that major investments should not come at the expense of Albania’s natural and cultural heritage.

Rama has voiced support for the development. Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the project would still have to pass environmental impact assessments and comply with all legal requirements protecting sensitive areas.

Kushner unveiled the investment plan in 2024. A broader regional investment strategy also included projects in Serbia, although one of them was later abandoned following public opposition.

(reuters, max)