'Albania is not for sale': Thousands protest against Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner's planned luxury resort near Eco

Thousands of Albanians marched through the capital Tirana on Thursday night, escalating opposition to a proposed 1.4 billion euro ($1.6 billion) luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Protesters and environmental activists say the development threatens one of Albania’s most ecologically sensitive coastal regions.

The demonstrations represent the largest protest yet against the project, which is planned on an undeveloped stretch of coast near the Vjosa-Narta conservation area in southern Albania.

A resort planned near a protected ecosystem

Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners is involved in the proposed development of a luxury resort along the pristine coastal zone that lies near the Vjosa-Narta lagoon.

The protected wetland is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including flamingos, seals and nesting sea turtles. Environmental groups warn the development could affect hundreds of hectares of pristine beaches and disrupt critical habitat used by migratory birds.

The project is part of a broader investment strategy announced by Kushner in 2024, which also included plans for reconstruction in Serbia.

Environmentalists warn of the impact on flamingos

Conservationists say the proposed development could have long-term consequences for the region’s biodiversity.

Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj emphasized the global importance of the bird population in the area.

“Obviously it’s very important to have investment in the country. It’s very important for the economy, but you have to choose very wisely where you build it. There’s a reason why this area is called a conservation area.”

Selgjekaj noted that Albania hosts a significant portion of the world’s flamingo population.

“More than 1% of the global flamingo population lives in Albania.”

Environmental advocates say increased construction activity, tourism infrastructure and human presence could disrupt nesting and migration patterns.

The protests spread from the coast to the capital

Opposition to the project grew after heavy equipment and construction preparations were spotted at the site last week.

Local protests near the proposed development soon escalated into larger demonstrations in Tirana, where thousands gathered outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office.

Demonstrators carried pink inflatable flamingos and chanted slogans including “Revolution” and “Stop the project”.

Some protesters also demanded Rama’s resignation and carried signs:

“Albania is not for sale”

Many protesters framed their opposition as part of a broader struggle to protect national heritage and public resources.

Writer Lindita Komani, who took part in the demonstrations, criticized what she described as political decisions being made without sufficient public consultation.

“Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people and we decide what we want to do here.”

She added: “It’s not that some corrupt politicians who run Albania can decide what they can do with our property, with Albanian heritage, natural heritage, cultural heritage.”

The slogan “Albania is not for sale” has become a rallying cry among opponents of development.

The government prevents investment

Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the project, claiming it could boost tourism and economic growth.

Developers involved in the proposal have also sought to placate critics who say the resort will be built with a focus on environmental responsibility.

According to project representatives, development will prioritize:

-Responsible coastal management

– Measures to improve the environment

-Sustainable tourism practices

– Protection of surrounding ecosystems

Environmental reviews are underway

Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimajova, said that an environmental impact assessment is currently being prepared.

She said any investment would be required to comply with Albanian environmental laws and relevant European environmental standards.

According to government officials, there are legal safeguards to protect the Vjosa-Narta lagoon and surrounding habitats from harmful development.

Uncertain future of the project

On Friday, after the protests, there were no visible signs of construction crews or heavy equipment at the site where earthworks had recently begun.

The controversy comes after Kushner abandoned a separate redevelopment project in the Serbian capital Belgrade last year amid public backlash and street protests.