Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets in recent days to protest a luxury resort project backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as environmental groups and local activists decry what they call a reckless development in a protected coastal region. The project, which includes a $1.4 billion deal on the uninhabited island of Sazan and a $4.7 billion plan for the Zvërnec Peninsula, has sparked nationwide unrest, with protesters demanding transparency and halting construction. The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has defended the initiative as a transformative investment, but critics argue it undermines environmental protections and local governance.
Protests Intensify Over Environmental and Governance Concerns
Protesters in Tirana and the southern coastal region of Zvërnec have accused the Albanian government of bypassing public consultation and environmental safeguards to fast-track the development. Demonstrators, many carrying inflatable flamingos—a symbol of the endangered species threatened by the project—have demanded the removal of bulldozers and fences from the protected Narta Lagoon area. “From start to finish there has been a total lack of transparency,” said Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA). “We have seen no public consultation or public documentation regarding permits, and so now what we are saying is, if they remove the bulldozers, remove the fence and restore the habitats to what they were, then we can start talking.”
The conflict has drawn international attention, with the European Union raising concerns about the project’s compliance with environmental regulations. The Narta Lagoon, a UNESCO-protected area, is home to over 200 bird species, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican and Mediterranean monk seal. Environmental groups have warned that the development could irreversibly damage the region’s biodiversity. “This is not simply a local dispute over a fence, a road or a construction site, but also about how decisions like this are being taken, and the lack of transparency surrounding them,” said Besjana Shehu, a conservationist with the Albanian Ornithological Society. “What is at stake is the ecological integrity of more than 18,000 hectares of one of Albania’s most important natural corridors.”
Kushner’s Vision and Ivanka’s Public Endorsement
Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, has been at the center of the controversy, with the project reportedly securing “strategic investor status” from the Albanian government in December 2024. This designation, which grants faster approvals, has fueled suspicions that the deal was influenced by Kushner’s ties to the Trump administration. Kushner himself described the Sazan Island resort as a “very high-end luxury product” intended to be “the ideal resort that I’d want to be at with my family and with my friends.”
Ivanka Trump, Kushner’s wife, has also drawn scrutiny for her public praise of the project. During a podcast appearance, she described the development as the “culmination of all of my experience in real estate, all of my travel, a lot of reflection on how I want to live, how I think people increasingly are wanting to live.” Her comments came amid growing backlash, with critics accusing the couple of exploiting Albania’s economic aspirations for private gain. The couple’s involvement has further complicated the narrative, as their public support for the project contradicts the environmental and community concerns raised by local activists.
Government Stance and Legal Challenges
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as a “strategic investment” that could elevate Albania’s global tourism profile. “There is absolutely no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here,” he stated, dismissing protesters’ demands for a halt to construction. The government has also rejected accusations of favoritism, insisting that the project adheres to legal frameworks. However, the lack of public documentation and the sudden escalation of construction efforts have fueled distrust among locals.
Environmental groups have filed legal challenges, citing violations of Albania’s environmental protection laws. Over 40 organizations sent a letter to the government in January urging the “immediate suspension of any decisions advancing” the construction. Meanwhile, videos of private security guards forcibly removing protesters from the site have circulated online, intensifying public outrage. “We’ve never seen anything like this in Albania’s protected regions,” Trajce said. “It’s not just unprecedented, there’s been a complete collapse of rule of law with no consideration of society, no environmental consideration, no contract permits, just bulldozers moving in.”
Economic Promises vs. Ecological Risks
The project’s proponents argue that it could create over 10,000 jobs and generate €4.6 billion in revenue, positioning Albania as a major player in the global tourism industry. However, environmentalists warn that the long-term costs of ecological degradation outweigh short-term economic gains. The Narta Lagoon, a critical stopover for migratory birds, is already under pressure from urbanization and industrial activity. Conservationists fear that the resort’s infrastructure—including luxury hotels, marinas, and private villas—would further disrupt the region’s delicate ecosystems.
The controversy has also raised questions about Albania’s EU accession process. The country’s recent progress in meeting EU standards has been praised, but critics argue that the resort project undermines its commitment to sustainable development. “Albania is not for sale,” protesters chanted during demonstrations, echoing a broader sentiment that the government is prioritizing foreign investment over national interests. The clash between economic ambition and environmental stewardship has become a focal point for debates about Albania’s future direction.
What’s Next for the Project?
As protests continue, the outcome of the dispute remains uncertain. The Albanian government has rejected calls to suspend the project, but pressure from environmental groups, international bodies, and local communities may force a reassessment. Meanwhile, Kushner and Ivanka Trump have faced growing scrutiny over their role in the development, with critics questioning the ethical implications of their involvement. The situation highlights the complex interplay between private interests, public welfare, and environmental conservation in a rapidly globalizing world.
For now, the Narta Lagoon remains a battleground of competing visions: one of luxury and economic growth, and another of preservation and accountability.
