Thousands Protest as Trump's Son-in-Law Still Eyes Albanian Paradise

Thousands of Albanian citizens once again filled the streets of the capital, Tirana, to hold a protest on Saturday (13/06/2026) against the planned construction of a luxury resort supported by a company linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Demonstrators filled the city streets while waving Albanian flags.

The protest was also characterised by various flamingo-themed props, serving as a symbol of rejection against the project, which is deemed to threaten the environment. Protesters voiced concerns regarding the impact of the development on conservation areas along the country’s coast.

The resort is planned to be built within the protected Vjosa-Narta landscape on the Adriatic coast. This wetland area is a vital habitat for various wildlife, including flamingos, seals, and sea turtles that nest in the region.

The conservation group PPNEA BirdLife Albania warned that the project could disrupt the local ecosystem. They assessed that the flamingo population is at risk of disappearing from the area if the development proceeds.

Despite the opposition, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama continues to support the project. In an interview with Reuters this week, Rama asserted that the resort construction is legal and ensured that the wildlife habitats in the Vjosa-Narta area will remain protected.