Protests across Albania over a multi-billion-euro luxury resort project have been accompanied by a surge of misleading online claims, ranging from fabricated ties to Israel to doctored images of political violence. The development, backed by Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, targets the uninhabited island of Sazan and the ecologically sensitive Vjosa-Narta coastal landscape near Vlorë.
Supporters argue the project could boost tourism and foreign investment in one of Europe's poorest countries. Critics, however, warn it threatens vital natural habitats and accuse the government of selling out to foreign interests. The controversy has already prompted an investigation by Albania's anti-corruption prosecutor into the rapid regulatory approvals and land transfers that enabled the project.
False Narratives Spread Online
Among the most viral falsehoods was a video purporting to show the home of Prime Minister Edi Rama burning during protests. In reality, the footage dates back to February 2026 and depicts Democratic Party protesters setting fire to the former villa of Enver Hoxha, Albania's long-time communist dictator.
Another widely circulated claim alleges the resort is backed by the state of Israel. No evidence supports this theory, which appears fueled by Kushner's Jewish background and his past role in Middle East peace negotiations. A manipulated image showing a barbed-wire fence with Israeli and Albanian flags was presented as a new border on Zvërnec Island; the original photo contained no such flags.
Videos claiming to show "Israeli settlers" being chased out by locals actually depict protests in northern Albania against a separate luxury resort in Baks-Rjoll, Velipojë, from February 2026.
Prime Minister Rama has denied allegations that the project is part of a plan to relocate Palestinians to Albania. He told Euronews: "There is a narrative in the whole thing that this is about a hidden deal between [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu and I, through Jared Kushner, to bring the Palestinians in that part of Albania, which is a total fantasy."
Environmental and Legal Concerns
The development has drawn scrutiny from environmental groups and the European Commission. The Vjosa-Narta wetland is a critical habitat for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds, and the project's approval involved legislation passed in 2024 that loosened protections for sensitive ecosystems. Brussels has warned Tirana over the project, as reported in Brussels Warns Albania Over Trump-Linked Resort Project in Protected Area.
The anti-corruption probe focuses on potentially fraudulent property titles and questionable land transfers. The investigation underscores broader concerns about governance and rule of law in Albania, a candidate for European Union membership.
For more context on the protests and the project's origins, see Albania's 'Kushner Island': Why a Luxury Resort Plan Is Sparking Protests.
