Thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana on Thursday to oppose a luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners [1].
The demonstrations highlight a growing tension between Albania's ambitions for high-end tourism and local concerns over environmental preservation and foreign influence. Critics argue that the scale of the project threatens the ecological integrity of the Adriatic coast.
The planned development is centered on Sazan Island, located on the Adriatic coast [2], [3]. The project carries an estimated cost of €1.4 billion [4]. According to some reports, the resort could include up to 10,000 hotel rooms [5].
Environmental advocates expressed alarm over the project's proximity to a protected wetland [1]. Protesters marched through the capital, carrying signs and chanting slogans against the sale of national land to foreign interests. One protester said, "Albania is not for sale" [1]. Another demonstrator said, "I don’t want Albania like Dubai" [6].
The Albanian government has defended the investment as a strategic move for the nation's economy. A government spokesperson said the project will transform Albania as it seeks high-end tourism and European Union membership [2].
Affinity Partners, the investment firm linked to Kushner, is the primary entity behind the development. The scale of the project has sparked accusations of corruption and concerns that the development prioritizes luxury profits over the protection of sensitive coastal ecosystems [7].
“"Albania is not for sale"”
This conflict reflects a broader struggle in emerging European economies attempting to balance rapid GDP growth through foreign direct investment with the preservation of environmental standards. The involvement of a high-profile U.S. figure like Jared Kushner adds a layer of geopolitical scrutiny to the project, potentially complicating Albania's image as it pursues European Union membership and adheres to strict EU environmental regulations.
