Protests in Albania Target Proposed Resort Linked to Jared Kushner

Thousands of Albanians protested a proposed luxury resort on protected coastal land near the Vjosa-Narta wetland this week. Demonstrators marched through Tirana, the capital, and some carried signs reading "Albania is not for sale" and "Ivanka! Ivanka!

" Machinery including excavators has been active at the site since last month. Protesters also displayed flamingo cutouts to highlight concerns over wildlife in the area.

The project includes a coastal development in the Narta Lagoon area and a smaller resort on the island of Sazan. Plans call for up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas, according to project partners. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama approved the development in December 2025.

The Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime opened an inquiry into 2024 decisions that changed the legal status of land previously classified as protected.

The World Wildlife Fund issued a statement on Thursday condemning the clearing of forests, dunes, and coastal habitats. The group cited the area's importance for flamingos, Mediterranean monk seals, and sea turtles. Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj told Reuters that more than 1 percent of the global flamingo population lives in Albania.

Environmentalists have urged officials to reconsider the location of large-scale tourism projects.

Demonstrations remained largely peaceful but included clashes with security personnel on Wednesday. Police used a water cannon during one confrontation. Some demonstrators have called for Prime Minister Rama to resign.

Trump visited Albania this year while discussions with the government continued. Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development, previously told Newsweek the partners aim to create a world-class destination and respect ongoing public processes. A similar Kushner-linked project in neighboring Serbia was halted after prosecutors filed charges related to land-use decisions.