A planned €4 billion luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, is sparking widespread protests and environmental concerns along Albania's protected southern coast. The venture spans an abandoned island and a stretch of seafront within a national marine park. While Prime Minister Edi Rama insists the project will bring investment, jobs, and wealth to transform the nation, it has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and political opponents.
Environmental organizations have called for the project's suspension, citing threats to biodiversity and the potential impact on several hundred hectares of pristine beaches. Specific concerns have been raised regarding endangered habitats and the risk to flamingos. The development is also facing scrutiny as Albania advances toward EU membership.
In the capital of Tirana, thousands of people marched for three consecutive days to protest the development, with some demonstrators carrying inflatable flamingos to highlight potential environmental damage. These protests reflect rising public anger over corruption and the use of coastal land.
Despite the resistance, conservation groups report that work has already begun in the protected coastal area. Protests are expected to intensify after opponents rejected an offer from Prime Minister Rama to discuss solutions.