Thousands protest in Albania against coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner

Thousands of Albanians took to the streets of the capital, Tirana, to protest a planned coastal tourism complex, expressing strong opposition to a project linked to Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Demonstrators chanted "cancel the project" and held banners reading "Albania is not for sale," demanding the government halt the development.

The project, which involves constructing hotels on the uninhabited island of Sazan and within the protected Vjosa-Narta wetland, has ignited concerns over potential environmental damage. This wetland is a crucial habitat for flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites. Environmental organizations have called for the project's suspension, warning of threats to biodiversity.

“

We want all construction to halt and heavy machines out of the protected area.

Adding to the controversy, Albania's special prosecutor's office announced it has opened an investigation into the funds used for acquiring land titles and their subsequent sale to investors. This investigation fuels existing concerns about corruption surrounding the project.

The protests follow an earlier demonstration in Zvernec, where activists blocked access to a beach. The situation escalated when private security guards reportedly attacked and injured several protesters, leading authorities to suspend police officers and revoke the licenses of two security companies. While it remains unconfirmed if Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, has purchased the specific land in question, the firm had presented a development plan for Albania two years prior, envisioning luxury tourist destinations worth an estimated 1.4 billion euros.

“

This would be a new city with around 10,000 rooms and it will completely destroy that wild region.