Anger in Albania over Trump's son-in-law's project: Protesters tried to tear down barbed wire fences

Albanian prosecutors are investigating a luxury tourism project associated with Jared Kushner, former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, over alleged corruption and questionable land deals. The Special Prosecutor's Office against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) confirmed it has opened an investigation into controversial changes in the protected status of land and its ownership, which paved the way for the development.

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The Special Prosecutor's Office against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) confirmed on Monday that it has opened an investigation into controversial changes in the status of protection of areas and land ownership, which enabled tourism development.

Kushner's private investment firm, Affinity Partners, plans to transform the uninhabited Adriatic island of Sazan and hundreds of hectares of the protected Vjosa-Narta area into a high-end resort. Plans presented in August 2024 include the construction of 10,000 hotel rooms. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, asserting that negotiations are ongoing and denying claims that it encroaches on a protected nature reserve.

However, the project has ignited public anger and environmental concerns. Protests erupted in late May after investors erected large barbed-wire fences, physically blocking public access to the beach. Videos circulating on social media appear to show private security personnel confronting protesters, who were attempting to halt construction work. Demonstrators are demanding the project's suspension, the protection of the area, and the Prime Minister's resignation.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed earlier to Politico that negotiations between the government and Kushner are still ongoing and that the project envisages the construction of 10,000 hotel rooms.

The controversy highlights a broader tension in Albania between economic development initiatives and the preservation of natural resources and public access. The involvement of a high-profile figure like Kushner has amplified scrutiny on the government's land use policies and transparency in development deals.

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The situation with the project escalated after investors put up large barbed-wire fences, thus preventing access to the beach.