Thousands protest Trump-linked hotel project in Albania over environmental fears

Thousands of Albanians continued their protests in Tirana against a luxury hotel complex project associated with the Trump family, highlighting ongoing discontent over the development. Demonstrations have occurred daily for over a week, targeting the project spearheaded by Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner.

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Albania is not for sale

Protesters voice strong opposition, asserting that the $4.6 billion complex, planned for a protected area on the Adriatic coast, poses significant environmental threats. They are particularly concerned about the impact on a nearby lagoon crucial for migratory birds. The developers aim to transform the uninhabited Sazan Island, a former secret military base, into a high-end tourist destination.

On Thursday, demonstrators marched to the government headquarters, carrying signs that read "Albania is not for sale" and calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. "We do not want this type of investment because it could harm our environment and transform this place forever," stated Teftalia Papa, a journalism student, expressing the sentiment of many concerned citizens.

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We do not want this type of investment because it could harm our environment and transform this place forever.

Fadel Dia, an IT business owner, echoed these concerns, stating, "The Zvernec project will destroy our nature." He argued that construction within a nature reserve would diminish the country's overall tourist appeal. The protests intensified in late May after barbed wire was installed to cordon off parts of the nature reserve for the project, leading to clashes with private security and widespread public outrage fueled by viral videos of bulldozers on the beach.

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The Zvernec project will destroy our nature.