Thousands of Albanians protested in Tirana against a planned luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump [1].

The demonstrations highlight a growing tension between foreign investment and environmental preservation in Albania. Protesters said the project threatens protected ecosystems and reflects a lack of transparency in government land deals.

The main wave of protests occurred late Thursday, June 5, 2026 [1]. Follow-up demonstrations were reported on June 6 [2] and as early as June 3 [3]. The scale of the unrest suggests a broad public opposition to the development of sensitive coastal areas for high-end tourism.

Environmental concerns center on the project's proximity to protected wetlands that serve as a habitat for flamingos [4]. While reports on the exact location vary, some sources identify the site as the Zvernec protected coastal area on the Adriatic [5]. Other reports said the development is planned for Sazan Island, an uninhabited former military base [6].

Beyond the ecological impact, the protests are fueled by worries regarding corruption and the influence of the Kushner-linked company [4]. Demonstrators have used the slogan "Albania is not for sale" to express their opposition to the project [7].

The project has become a focal point for activists who said the prioritization of luxury resorts over environmental safety undermines national conservation goals [4]. The continued demonstrations through this week indicate that the public is seeking a formal reversal of the development plans.

“Albania is not for sale”

The clash over the Kushner-linked resort reflects a wider struggle in Albania between rapid economic development and the protection of biodiversity. By targeting a project with ties to a high-profile U.S. figure, protesters are linking local environmental grievances to broader concerns about international corporate influence and governance transparency.