Thousands of people gathered in Albania's capital late on Thursday to protest a proposed luxury resort on an undeveloped stretch of southern coastline, in what activists described as the largest demonstration of the week against the plan. The development is linked to Affinity Partners, an investment firm associated with Jared Kushner, and is valued by developers at €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion).
Environmental campaigners oppose the project on grounds that it would encroach on pristine beaches and harm wildlife in and around the Vjosa-Narta protected area, a wetland known to host flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting sites. Ornithologist Ledi Selgjekaj told reporters that more than 1% of the global flamingo population can be found in Albania, underscoring the ecological significance of the area.
"Of course, it’s very important to have investments in the country. It’s very important for the economy, but you have to choose very wisely where to build it. There is a reason why this area is called a protected area," Selgjekaj said.
Ground preparation and the arrival of heavy machinery at the site prompted local protests late last week, and those field demonstrations were followed by larger street actions in Tirana. Protesters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama carrying pink inflatable flamingos and chanting "revolution" and "stop the project" as they pressed their opposition.
"ALBANIA IS NOT FOR SALE"
The demonstrations included placards urging the prime minister to resign and vocal participants emphasizing national sovereignty over natural and cultural heritage. "Albania is not for sale. Albania belongs to the Albanian people and we decide what we want to do here. It’s not that some corrupt politicians who run Albania can decide what they can do with our property, with the Albanian heritage, the natural heritage, a cultural heritage," said Lindita Komani, a writer who joined the protests.
By Friday there were no visible builders or heavy equipment at the site where machinery had been preparing the ground in recent days, though police were reported to have patrolled the area as some locals went to inspect the situation.
Government officials have defended the project while also pointing to regulatory safeguards. Developers have said the planned investment will prioritize "responsible stewardship and environmental enhancement." Albania’s Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said on Thursday that environmental impact assessments are being drafted and that the proposed investment would have to comply fully with environmental legislation and protect local habitats.
Ibrahimaj also noted that European environmental directives and Albanian law provide legal protections against projects that could damage the protected lagoon and surrounding habitats, according to a report by Albania’s state news agency.
Jared Kushner first announced plans for the resort in 2024 as part of a broader investment package that also included a former army headquarters in Belgrade. The Belgrade element of that wider plan was dropped last year after street protests there.
Stakeholders on all sides say the situation hinges on whether the environmental assessments and applicable legal protections will be sufficient to reconcile development ambitions with conservation priorities. For now, the absence of construction activity at the site and the scale of public opposition make clear that the project remains politically and socially contested.