Around 200 activists in Albania have dismantled fencing surrounding a construction site for a luxury residential complex located on the Adriatic coast. According to The Guardian, this action represents the latest development in ongoing protests against development in ecologically sensitive areas.
The project in question is a high-end resort planned near Vlorë, a region recognized for its flamingo population and sea turtle nesting grounds. The development is being financed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
In his video podcast, the head of the Albanian government, Edi Rama, expressed regret that protests have led to a decline in tourist numbers to the country. He furthermore characterized the protestors as exhibiting fascist tendencies.
“The protests bear fascist characteristics and resemble a form of mob justice directed at those who dissent. It is unacceptable for a group of individuals, a popular movement, a party, or a coalition of parties – call it what you will – to impose their views on others, stating, ‘You will either think as I do, or I will maim you, I will intimidate you, I will threaten you.’ This is fascism, and it must be stopped. And it must be stopped not by yielding to such pressure or confronting such beasts. This must be halted,” stated Rama.
Protests in Tirana commenced in May and have been occurring daily, with 14 rallies involving thousands of participants demanding a halt to construction and calling for the Albanian leader’s resignation. Another demonstration is scheduled for Sunday evening in the capital’s center.
The resort construction is slated to begin in an area that was previously a nature reserve, encompassing the islands of Sazan and Zvernec, which are habitats for flamingos, over 200 species of migratory birds, Mediterranean seals, and sea turtles. The Albanian government has designated the five-star resort complex project as a “strategic investment.”
Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, announced plans in 2024 to transform Sazan Island and the Zvernec coastline into a resort. His wife, Ivanka Trump, mentioned that they discovered the location serendipitously while vacationing on friends’ yachts. In 2026, Ivanka visited Albania with a group of architects to survey the site.
Funding for the project is expected to come from Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners. The estimated cost for the construction of the luxury resort, which is planned to have 10,000 rooms, ranges from $1.6 billion to $4 billion.
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