Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tirana this week, marking a significant escalation in public anger over plans to construct luxury resorts on Albania’s pristine coastline. The protests, which have seen clashes between citizens and security forces, center on development projects tied to Jared Kushner.
Environmental groups have long warned that the projects threaten ecological stability. Specifically, plans to develop the uninhabited Sazan Island and parts of the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape have drawn sharp criticism for their potential to cause irreversible damage to biodiversity.
Beyond environmental concerns, the issue has become a lightning rod for broader anti-government sentiment. Public frustration has intensified following the launch of an anti-corruption investigation by Albanian authorities into the legality of the development agreements.
Critics argue the process lacks transparency and prioritizes foreign commercial interests over the preservation of public land. As the investigation proceeds, the project’s high-profile association with the former U.S. presidential family continues to fuel intense national debate regarding state accountability.
