Thousands protest $1.4 billion Kushner-linked resort on Albanian coast
Why it matters: The dispute pits Edi Rama’s pro-investment stance against environmental warnings over a protected wetland near Vlora.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana on June 2 against plans for a $1.4 billion luxury resort tied to Jared Kushner’s firm on Albania’s Adriatic coast, turning a development fight into a political test for Prime Minister Edi Rama. The project covers Sazan Island and a stretch near Zvernec, close to the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape, where environmental groups say construction would damage beaches, wetlands and wildlife habitat used by flamingos, seals and nesting sea turtles. Demonstrators outside Rama’s office carried signs reading “Nation is not for sale” and demanded work stop after fencing went up at the site. Rama backed the investment and said it would not be halted while he remains in office.