Thousands protest in Tirana over planned luxury resort linked to Kushner PHOTO/VIDEO

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Albania’s capital Tirana in the largest protest this week against a planned luxury resort project on an environmentally sensitive stretch of the Adriatic coast linked to an investment firm associated with Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The €1.4 billion development is being led by Affinity Partners and would span an undeveloped coastal area and island near the Vjosa-Narta protected wetlands in southern Albania. The region is known for its biodiversity, including flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites, Reuters reports.

Environmental groups and activists oppose the project, warning it could damage hundreds of hectares of pristine coastline and disrupt fragile ecosystems that host thousands of migratory birds each year.

Protests escalated after construction activity and heavy machinery were reported at the Vjosa-Narta site, prompting demonstrations both locally and later in central Tirana.

On June 4, demonstrators gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama, waving inflatable pink flamingos and chanting slogans including “revolution,” “stop the project,” and “Edi Rama, resign.”

Protesters argued the development threatens Albania’s natural heritage.

“Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people,” said writer Lindita Komani, who joined the demonstration.

The government has defended the project, stating that it is still subject to environmental assessments and must comply with national and European environmental regulations. Officials say safeguards are in place to protect the lagoon and surrounding habitats.

Developers have previously described the project as focusing on “responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement.”

The resort plan was announced in 2024 as part of a broader investment portfolio that also included redevelopment plans in Serbia. That separate project was later abandoned following public protests.

By Sabina Mammadli