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Protests Erupt as Trump's Son-in-Law Builds Luxury Resort on Albanian Island
🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

Protests Erupt as Trump's Son-in-Law Builds Luxury Resort on Albanian Island

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are developing a $1.4 billion luxury resort project on Sazan Island, Albania.
  • The project also includes a $4.7 billion investment in the nearby protected area of Pishë Poro-Narta.
  • Local environmental groups and thousands of protesters are opposing the development, citing concerns over environmental damage and lack of public consultation.

A massive luxury resort project spearheaded by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump is facing significant opposition in Albania. The couple's company, Affinity Partners, is investing $1.4 billion in developing Sazan Island, Albania's largest uninhabited island, and an additional $4.7 billion in the adjacent Pishë Poro-Narta area. Both locations are designated as protected zones.

We have not seen any public consultation or any public documentation regarding the permits. Therefore, we are now saying that if they remove the bulldozers, tear down the fence, and restore the habitats to the condition they were in before, then we can start discussing the matter.

— Aleksandr TrajceSpeaking to The Guardian about the lack of transparency and environmental concerns.

While Kushner and Trump have described their project as a dream realization, the development has ignited anger among environmentalists and the Albanian public. Protests have erupted daily in the capital, Tirana, with thousands demonstrating against what they perceive as environmental destruction and a lack of transparency. Slogans like "The nation is not for sale," "Ivanka, go home!" and "We don't want Albania to become like Dubai" reflect the public's sentiment.

Environmental organizations, including PPNEA, argue that the construction threatens unique biodiversity and cultural heritage, pointing to the presence of flamingos, pelicans, seals, and turtles in the area. They claim there has been no public consultation or documentation regarding the permits. Aleksandr Trajce of The Guardian stated, "We have not seen any public consultation or any public documentation regarding the permits. Therefore, we are now saying that if they remove the bulldozers, tear down the fence, and restore the habitats to the condition they were in before, then we can start discussing the matter."

The nation is not for sale

— ProtestersA slogan used during demonstrations in Tirana.

The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, is pushing forward with the project, citing a law that permits the construction of five-star resorts even in protected natural areas. Rama has expressed openness to dialogue but remains firm that the investment will not be halted as long as he is in office. He views foreign investment and tourism as crucial for Albania's economy and its goal of joining the EU by 2030.

Ivanka, go home!

— ProtestersA slogan used during demonstrations in Tirana.

The situation has become particularly tense with the recent arrival of heavy machinery and the erection of barbed-wire fences. Clashes have occurred during protests, resulting in injuries, police suspensions, and the revocation of licenses for private security firms, according to AFP.

We don't want Albania to become like Dubai

— ProtestersA slogan reflecting concerns about the development's impact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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