Trump family-linked tourism project sparks protests in Albania

Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard in Tirana to protest a tourism project. They claim the project, which involves selling a coastline in Zvernec, is linked to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter and son-in-law.

Carrying banners that read "Albania is not for sale" and chanting "Our Albania is ours," the protesters marched towards the prime minister's office. They voiced strong opposition to construction activities in protected zones. This was the fourth such demonstration.

Protesters also directed slogans against Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Albanian police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Earlier, on May 30, a scuffle occurred between security personnel and protesters in the Zvernec area, where security guards used pepper spray, affecting both demonstrators and police. The private security company involved announced the dismissal of some of its employees.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the events, assuring that the project is proceeding in accordance with all legal and environmental regulations. The tourism project, reportedly connected to Kushner, is estimated to cost around $4 billion.