Albanians take part in a demonstration in front of the prime minister's office, against the construction of a luxury resort. (June 2, 2026)
Thousands protest Jared Kushner-linked luxury resort project in Albania
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Thousands of Albanians demonstrated in the capital Tirana on Tuesday night, against a proposed €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners.
The protests, which have continued for several days, center on plans to transform ecologically sensitive areas along the Adriatic coast, including parts of Sazan Island and the Vjosa-Narta protected wetlands.
The project envisions constructing thousands of hotel rooms and related infrastructure across approximately 2.5 square kilometers of coastal land.
Environmental groups express deep concern over potential damage to habitats supporting flamingos, seals, and sea turtles.
Critics argue that recent changes to the area’s protected status and land ownership have facilitated the development, raising questions about transparency and possible irregularities.
Protesters have clashed with police in some instances, with reports of water cannons used to disperse crowds and private security personnel involved in confrontations.
Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Cancel the project” and “Albania is not for sale,” while some carried banners referencing Ivanka Trump, Kushner’s wife, who visited the site earlier in 2026 and described aspects of it in public comments.
Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution office, SPAK, has initiated an investigation into the project.
Authorities have frozen bank accounts linked to a Qatari firm involved in land acquisition and are examining alleged fraudulent property titles and alterations to protected land designations.
Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government has defended ongoing discussions with investors, emphasizing potential economic benefits from tourism.
The development plans gained momentum following Kushner’s announcement in 2024.
Supporters highlight the opportunity to position Albania as a premium tourism destination, potentially generating significant investment in one of Europe’s poorer economies.
Opponents, however, warn that the project could jeopardize the country’s EU accession prospects by undermining environmental protections.
Protests originated near the coastal site in late May after developers erected fencing that restricted public access to beaches.
They quickly expanded to Tirana, drawing broader participation from citizens concerned about environmental conservation and governance. Clashes have resulted in injuries, arrests, and suspensions of certain police officers.
