Thousands protest in Albania against Trump's son-in-law's real estate project

Thousands of people took to the streets of Tirana, Albania, for the fourth consecutive day to protest a luxury tourism project associated with Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law. Chanting "Albania is not for sale!", demonstrators expressed strong opposition to the development, which they fear could be detrimental to the environment.

The protests, which have intensified in recent days, are fueled by concerns over the planned transformation of Sazan Island, a former secret military base, into a high-end tourist destination, a project valued at approximately $1.2 billion. Additionally, plans include building luxury hotels in the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta. Videos circulating of preparatory work on the coast and machinery on the beach have further galvanized public anger.

Protesters are demanding the repeal of the law on strategic investors, which allows for the acceleration of certain projects, and modifications to the law on protected areas that would permit the construction of the hotel complex. Albania currently designates 22% of its territory as protected areas.

Human rights activist Luciana Kokaj, 31, shared her personal struggle, stating that a "big investor" is attempting to usurp her property in northern Albania with false titles. However, she emphasized that the protest extends beyond individual interests, aiming to "protect Albania for our children."

Adding to the controversy, Albania's special prosecutor's office against corruption and organized crime (SPAK) announced on Tuesday that it had opened an investigation into the project, though details were not immediately provided.

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But this goes beyond my own interest: it is about protecting Albania for our children.