Dua Lipa backs Albanian protests against Trump family tourism project

Pop star Dua Lipa has voiced strong support for ongoing protests in Albania against a controversial $1.8 billion tourism project backed by the Trump family. Lipa, whose parents are of Albanian-Kosovar heritage, called the civil unrest "inspiring," highlighting the public's deep concern over the development.

The project, which includes extensive construction on Sazan, Albania's only island, and along the Zvërnec peninsula, is backed by investors including Jared Kushner, former President Trump's son-in-law, and his wife Ivanka Trump. The development plans have accelerated following a controversial December 2024 amendment to Albania's environmental protection laws, which critics argue allows construction in sensitive areas without sufficient public consultation.

Lipa expressed concern that the government could alter environmental laws without public input. The affected areas are currently uninhabited natural reserves vital for Adriatic ecosystems and rare wildlife. European Union officials have warned Albania that its accession negotiations could be jeopardized if environmental standards are not upheld, as the country aims to join the bloc by 2030.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, calling it "a gift for Europe" and a "blessing" for the nation's economy. Despite significant opposition and environmental warnings, Rama has refused to back down from the development, which represents the largest investment in the country's post-communist history.

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