Thousands Protest in Tirana Against Jared Kushner's Luxury Resort Project

Thousands of Albanian citizens took to the streets of the capital Tirana on Wednesday in the largest demonstration to date opposing a planned luxury resort worth approximately €5 billion (Rp104.1 trillion), a project spearheaded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

Protesters flooded one of the city’s main thoroughfares and gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama. They carried banners reading ‘Albania is not for sale’ and chanted the slogan ‘New Albania’ in rejection of the controversial development.

Opposition to the project stems largely from its location near a protected wetland area, which serves as a habitat for various species including flamingos, seals, and is a nesting site for sea turtles. Beyond environmental concerns, citizens are also questioning the transparency of the planning process involving the foreign investor.

The wave of protests represents the latest challenge for Rama, who has led Albania since 2013. His administration faces criticism over widespread corruption allegations and a perceived failure to improve essential public services such as healthcare.

Rama has insisted the resort project will proceed and be completed responsibly. He has also defended his government’s anti-corruption efforts, pointing to the establishment of a special prosecution office known as SPAK, which has launched several high-profile investigations in recent years. However, these measures have not fully quelled public dissatisfaction.

Earlier this year, demonstrations turned violent when crowds demanded the resignation of Rama’s deputy, Belinda Balluku, over corruption allegations. Although Rama subsequently removed Balluku from her post, public mistrust of the government persists.

The luxury resort concept was devised by Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump. The couple previously stated they fell in love with Albania after visiting the Balkan nation by yacht several years ago.

Resistance to the project also flared at the construction site near the village of Zvernec last month. Protests erupted after the developer erected fencing around a portion of the project area. The fence has since been dismantled following local opposition.