Anti-US protests surge in Albania over Trump-linked luxury resort plan

A $1.6 billion luxury resort development project in Albania, spearheaded by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, has ignited widespread public opposition and protests. The project, planned for a protected ecological area along the Adriatic coast, has drawn fierce criticism from environmental groups and local communities who accuse the government of disregarding legal procedures and environmental protections.

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We will develop a beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean and fantastic Albanian beaches that stretch for 5 miles.

The controversy erupted after Ivanka Trump publicly detailed the plans in a podcast, highlighting the development of a "beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean" and miles of Albanian coastline. The site includes Sazan Island and surrounding protected areas, which are vital habitats for Mediterranean monk seals, sea turtles, and endangered birds like flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans. Environmental activists report that bulldozers have already begun clearing old-growth pine forests without adequate environmental impact assessments or public consultations.

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This is unprecedented in a protected area. Beyond unprecedented, bulldozers are entering without social consideration, environmental consideration, contract permits, or rule of law.

Protests have escalated in Tirana and along the southern coast, with demonstrators carrying signs reading "The country cannot be sold" and "We don't want Albania to become Dubai." The movement has been dubbed the 'Flamingo Protest' due to the symbolic use of flamingo effigies, representing the endangered species threatened by the development. A petition to halt construction has garnered over 90,000 signatures.

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The country cannot be sold

Adding to the public anger are allegations of violence against protesters by private security personnel. The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, is pushing the project forward, citing its necessity for elevating Albania's tourism profile. Rama argues that the investment is crucial for transforming the former communist nation into a luxury destination and that the country should not be perceived as hostile to foreign investors. However, critics, including environmental advocates and civil society leaders, express deep concern that the economic benefits will primarily flow to investors, while the environmental and social costs will be borne by local communities, echoing similar controversies faced by Kushner in other development projects.

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We don't want Albania to become Dubai