Why Thousands Are Protesting a Jared Kushner–Backed Resort Plan in Albania

Protests have surged across Albania as thousands marched through the capital, Tirana, to oppose plans for a luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner and his investment firm, Affinity Partners.

Kushner, the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, and Affinity Partners have been negotiating to develop a reported roughly $4 billion resort on a protected stretch of Albania's Adriatic coast. Demonstrators say the project would threaten fragile ecosystems and have called for greater government accountability; some are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Where the Project Would Be

The proposed development would be located in the Vjosa–Narta Lagoon, a protected wetland along Albania's western shoreline. Wetlands International, an NGO focused on wetland conservation, describes the lagoon as "irreplaceable," noting it supports more than 200 migratory bird species, including flamingos, as well as seals and nesting sea turtles.

Protesters take part in a rally in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, June 9, 2026, against the construction of a massive coastal development project.- Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

"The Vjosa–Narta Lagoon is a uniquely intact and very special Mediterranean wetland, sheltering over 200 bird species and more than 70 endangered species," said Chris Baker, Director of Wetlands International Europe. "Building luxury resorts inside this protected ecosystem — despite strong protest from local citizens and environmental groups — raises serious doubts about Albania’s readiness to join the EU."

International Concern And EU Implications

The European Commission has warned that actions harming protected areas could jeopardise Albania's EU accession process, specifically citing environmental benchmarks under Chapter 27. "Albania should refrain from actions that could undermine the fulfilment of the closing benchmark... and we expect the Albanian authorities to act without any delay," Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said.

Other Environmental Risks

Developers have also discussed transforming the uninhabited island of Sazan into a tourist destination. The Albanian Association for the Protection of the Environment says a luxury development there would present "serious risks to biodiversity and critical habitats" in and around the island.

Protests And Public Reaction

Demonstrations have continued for nearly two weeks. Protesters carried signs reading "Albania is not for sale," chanted slogans and paraded inflatable flamingos to draw attention to the possible damage to wildlife in the Vjosa–Narta lagoon. Organisers and environmental groups argue that the cultural and natural value of the wetlands outweighs short-term economic returns.

Flamingos are pictured over Narta lagoon area, western Albania, Saturday, June 6, 2026.- Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Government Response

Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project, saying it could be transformational for Albania by driving tourism and economic growth. Rama has also sought to downplay some environmental claims, saying that many protesters are well-meaning but misinformed: "There is not such a thing like a Trump family island... taking over protected areas where flamingos will be killed," he told CNN.

Rama further suggested that foreign actors have sought to exploit the controversy. He named Iran as a country that had "jumped in" on the dispute. The Iranian foreign ministry rejected the allegation; spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei responded on social media, saying Albania should "face the music."

What To Watch Next

The situation remains fluid: negotiations over the investment continue while protests and international scrutiny intensify. Key factors to watch are any formal environmental approvals from Albanian authorities, further statements from the European Commission regarding Chapter 27 compliance, and whether developers revise plans to address conservation concerns.