Kushner's Deal Sparks Crisis in Albania; Protests Spread to Greece and Italy

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tirana's Skanderbeg Square to protest a tourism project allegedly connected to Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Protesters voiced opposition to the sale of a coastline in Zvernec, a protected area, for the development. Carrying banners that read 'Albania is not for sale,' demonstrators marched towards the Prime Minister's office, chanting slogans against construction in protected zones.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama downplayed the protests on social media, claiming only 2,000 people participated, contrasting it with previous demonstrations that he said drew up to 8,000 attendees. Despite Rama's statements, protests continued for the fourth day. Earlier, on May 30, thousands had participated in demonstrations, which were met with a police response involving water cannons.

The project, reportedly costing around $4 billion, has sparked outrage not only in Albania but also internationally. Protests were held in Milan, Italy, and Athens, Greece, with Albanian expatriates in Greece expressing concerns about the environmental consequences. Demonstrators in Athens carried pink flamingo figures, symbolizing the potential ecological damage to the Vjosa-Narta Protected Area, a vital habitat for over 2,300 species, including flamingos and pelicans.

Albanian media reported that the Special Prosecution Office had launched an investigation into the project. Rama, however, denied CNN reports suggesting the project was linked to the Trump family. Amidst the public backlash, reports suggest the tourism firm involved may be seeking alternative locations in the Balkans, potentially shifting focus from Albania to countries like Greece, which offers investment opportunities similar to islands like Mykonos.