Albania to proceed with Kushner-linked resort despite environmental protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has affirmed the country's commitment to developing a luxury resort project on its coast, spearheaded by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. This declaration comes despite significant public outcry and protests concerning the project's environmental implications. Thousands have taken to the streets in Tirana and the southern coast, demanding the project's halt due to its proximity to a protected wetland vital for local wildlife.

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I tell you, it will be a beautiful project and we will realize it, and we will be proud to contribute to Europe.

The protected Vjosa-Narta area is a critical habitat for flamingos, seals, and sea turtles, making the development highly controversial. Demonstrators have adopted flamingos as a symbol of their movement, carrying inflatable birds and banners with slogans like "Flamingo Revolution." Rama, however, remains resolute, promising that investors will "amaze" the public with their plans and that parts of the complex could open before the end of the decade. He stated, "I tell you, it will be a beautiful project and we will realize it, and we will be proud to contribute to Europe."

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I was chosen to achieve things like this. I was not chosen to be led by people who have a different idea of how the country should be developed.

Rama conceded that erecting a fence around the construction site was a "shameful idea" and has since been removed. However, he downplayed the environmental concerns, noting that an environmental impact assessment is still pending and will be conducted concurrently with the project's development. He defended Albania's conservation efforts, asserting, "We are very proud of what we have done for the protection of wildlife in Albania. The European Commission has no reason to doubt our firm will to protect everything that must be protected when it comes to wildlife and nature."

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We are very proud of what we have done for the protection of wildlife in Albania. The European Commission has no reason to doubt our firm will to protect everything that must be protected when it comes to wildlife and nature.

Protests have also tapped into broader discontent with Rama's thirteen-year tenure, with demonstrators citing unaddressed corruption and inadequate public services. Student Albano Lushi stated, "There are more and more of us, and we will stay here until he resigns. Not just because of biodiversity, but because of every injustice we face." The resort project, part of a larger €1.4 billion investment by Kushner's Affinity Partners near the protected area, with another project on Sazan Island, could potentially reach €5 billion in total value, according to Rama.

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There are more and more of us, and we will stay here until he resigns. Not just because of biodiversity, but because of every injustice we face.