Protests escalate in Albania over Kushner-linked $4B coastal tourism project

Thousands march in Tirana against plans to develop a protected coastal ecosystem into a luxury tourism destination, citing environmental risks and concerns over changes to conservation laws.

Protests have intensified in Albania over a planned tourism development linked to US President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband, Jared Kushner, with demonstrators raising environmental concerns and accusing authorities of opening protected areas to large-scale construction projects, media reports said on Tuesday.

Thousands of protesters gathered in the capital Tirana under the slogan “Albania is not for sale,” marching from Skanderbeg Square to the prime minister's office to oppose plans for a tourism project in the Zvernec area near the coastal city of Vlora, according to local media outlets.

Demonstrators carried banners and placards while calling for the protection of environmentally sensitive areas and opposing construction activity in protected zones.

The controversy centres on plans to develop Sazan Island and parts of the nearby Narta-Zvernec wetland and lagoon ecosystem into a luxury tourism destination.

The project is estimated to cost around $4 billion and is said to include approximately 250 hectares within the protected coastal ecosystem.

Kushner's investment firm is pursuing the development and has received support from the Albanian government.

Environmental groups and local campaigners argue that the project could damage one of Albania's most ecologically sensitive coastal regions and affect properties owned by Greek minority families living in the area.

Tensions escalated during demonstrations held over the weekend at the proposed project site, where scuffles were reported between protesters and private security personnel guarding the area.

Pepper spray used by security personnel affected both demonstrators and police officers.

The security company later announced that some employees involved had been suspended.

The project has also become a political issue, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and accusing his government of facilitating the development through legislative changes adopted in 2024 concerning protected areas.

Rama has defended the initiative, saying the project is proceeding in accordance with legal and environmental requirements.

The Albanian government has promoted luxury tourism investments as part of a broader strategy to attract foreign capital and expand the country's high-end tourism sector.