Protests in Albania against a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, have intensified, with thousands gathering in Tirana on Thursday. The demonstrations, now in their second week, reflect growing public anger over the proposed $4 billion development in the Vjosa–Narta Lagoon, a protected wetland on the Adriatic coast.
The project, led by Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners, aims to transform the uninhabited Sazan island and the surrounding lagoon into a high-end tourist destination. Environmental groups, however, have condemned the plans, warning of irreversible damage to one of the Mediterranean's most important ecosystems.
Environmental Concerns and EU Warnings
The Vjosa–Narta Lagoon is home to over 200 migratory bird species, flamingos, seals, and nesting sea turtles. Wetlands International, an NGO, has described the area as "irreplaceable." Chris Baker, director of Wetlands International Europe, stated: "The Vjosa–Narta Lagoon is a uniquely intact and very special Mediterranean wetland, sheltering over 200 bird species and more than 70 endangered species. Building luxury resorts inside this protected ecosystem – despite strong protest of local citizens and environmental groups – raises serious doubts about Albania’s readiness to join the EU."
The European Commission has issued a stark warning, urging Albania to act swiftly to avoid jeopardizing its EU accession bid. "Albania should refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfilment of the closing benchmark, in this case Chapter 27, and so we expect the Albanian authorities to act without any delay," said Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier earlier this week. The EU's environmental rules, known as Chapter 27, are a key requirement for candidate countries.
The Albanian Association for the Protection of the Environment has also raised alarms, stating that developing Sazan island into a resort would pose "serious risks to the biodiversity and critical habitats."
Political Fallout and Accusations of Hybrid War
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, arguing it would be transformational for Albania's tourism sector. In an interview with CNN International, he claimed that protesters had been "misled big time" and insisted there was no plan for a "Trump family island" or for harming protected areas. However, the protests have evolved into a broader anti-government movement, with some demonstrators calling for Rama's resignation.
Rama has also suggested that the protests are being exploited as part of a hybrid war against Albania, pointing to Iran as a malicious actor. "There is one malicious actor, Iran," Rama said. "This is something that we know for a fact. I never said and I don't say that Iran invented it. I'm saying that Iran jumped in it. Right away. And we are at war with Iran, cyber, since some years now." Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected these claims.
The protests have drawn comparisons to other recent demonstrations across Europe, such as anti-immigration protests in Belfast and surges in Paris following a tragic murder. In Brussels, mass protests over alleged police brutality amid education cuts have also highlighted growing public discontent in the region.
For more context on the broader implications, see our analysis on Jared Kushner's transition from Trump adviser to Albanian resort developer and the swelling anti-government movement targeting Rama.
