Edi Rama, Albania’s prime minister, has criticized international coverage of protests against a Kushner-linked coastal development as “hysteria,” sharing video he says shows about 2,000 protesters and arguing demonstrations never exceeded 8,000. The proposals — including hotels, villas and a marina at Narta Lagoon and a resort on Sazan Island — have drawn environmental alarm and prompted an anti-corruption inquiry over land ownership and transparency. Rama defends the roughly €4 billion project as an economic opportunity and promises environmental safeguards while critics call for greater consultation.
Albanian PM Calls Media 'Hysteria' Over Kushner-Backed Resort, Shares Protest Footage
Two screenshots from a video shared by Edi Rama on X, which he said was of a protest against a massive coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed back against international reports about protests targeting a luxury coastal development linked to Jared Kushner, calling the coverage “hysteria” and sharing footage he says shows a relatively small turnout.
In a lengthy thread on X, Rama posted a video he said depicted roughly 2,000 protesters — which he described as “the lowest turnout so far” — and asserted that demonstrations never exceeded 8,000 participants even at their peak. He argued international outlets have overstated the scale of opposition and accused critics of spreading misinformation about plans that, he says, remain under review.
Government Defense and Promised Safeguards
Rama framed the proposed development as a major economic opportunity for Albania, emphasizing promises of environmental safeguards and long-term benefits. He wrote that the project is currently a vision and a plan to transform Albania into a high-end tourism destination and claimed the current concept would increase green space by roughly 25 percent and improve several biodiversity indicators.
Protesters take part in a rally in Tirana, Saturday, June 6, 2026, against the construction of a massive coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at Narta lagoon area, western Albania.
There Is Only A Vision And A Plan: To Transform Albania Into The Most Attractive High-End Tourism Destination In This Part Of The World, While Creating A Net Positive Environmental Development.
What The Plans Include
The proposals include hotels, private villas and a marina in the Narta Lagoon — one of Albania’s largest wetlands and an important habitat for migratory birds — and a separate resort on Sazan Island, a former communist-era military base. The investment is billed at about €4 billion (roughly $4.6 billion) by supporters.
Environmental And Transparency Concerns
Environmentalists and campaigners warn the development threatens habitats for migratory birds (including flamingos), seals and sea turtles; the Narta Lagoon is considered a protected wetland because of its ecological importance. Since late May, local accounts and reporting say excavators and heavy machinery have cleared land, opened access routes and installed fencing, raising alarm among activists.
The controversy has expanded beyond ecology to include questions about transparency, land ownership and potential corruption. Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors have opened an inquiry tied to the project, in part to examine claims about whether the land is privately owned as the government asserts.
A protester raises a flare during a rally in Tirana, Saturday, June 6, 2026, against the construction of a massive coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at Narta lagoon area, western Albania.
Public Reaction
Thousands of people have taken part in mostly peaceful demonstrations in Tirana and other towns in recent days. Protesters have adopted flamingo symbols and chanted slogans such as “Albania is not for sale.” The Associated Press reported that a recent rally in the capital was among the largest so far opposing the development.
Rama has repeatedly insisted no final approvals have been granted and that environmental protections will be observed. He has also made clear he supports the investment and said it will not be stopped while he is in office.
Reporting note: This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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