Protests began in Albania around May 30, 2026, triggered by opposition to multi-billion-euro luxury resort projects linked to Jared Kushner on ecologically sensitive coastal sites [1, 2, 3]. Bulldozers started construction near Zvernec on that day, sparking the initial demonstrations [1, 3].
Protesters have assembled daily in Tirana, marching to Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office. They demand the resignation of the political elite and oppose the developments [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. By June 9, protests had continued for 10 consecutive days, evolving into broader anti-corruption and anti-government actions [6]. On June 10, the largest demonstration yet stretched half a mile along the main boulevard in Tirana [2, 4, 5]. Today, about 200 protesters tore down fences at a luxury development site near Rrjoll, escalating tensions further [7].
The resort projects are valued at roughly 5 billion euros ($5.7-$5.8 billion), including a coastal development near Zvernec and a luxury tourism zone on Sazan island, an uninhabited Adriatic island [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8]. Some sources estimate the project closer to $4 billion, with $1.6 billion allocated to the island component [6, 8]. The developments hold the status of ‘special status investor’ granted by the Albanian government [7, 8]. Kushner’s private equity firm Affinity Partners backs the projects, which also involve Ivanka Trump [2, 5, 8].
The sites straddle protected ecosystems covering 618 acres near wetlands home to flamingos, seals, sea turtles, and over 70 endangered species [2, 7, 4, 6, 8]. Environmentalists and locals warn the projects threaten some of the last pristine Mediterranean deltas. Ivanka Trump said they discovered the 1,400-hectare island by chance while on a friend’s boat [8]. Besjana Guri, an Albanian activist, questioned why a public, unexplored area like Sazan is being turned into a luxury zone, risking rare natural habitats [8].
Protesters include students, professionals, environmentalists, and local residents. They organized mainly through social media without formal leadership [3]. Some affected families demand compensation for land seized for the projects. Zeke Nikolle Shullani said, "We are 200 families whose land has been seized" near Rrjoll [7]. Nikolin Markpalaj added investors refused dialogue with locals, suggesting disregard for community concerns [7].
Prime Minister Edi Rama defends the projects, calling them "beautiful" and promising job creation while asserting environmental assessments are underway. He said, "We are very proud of what we have done for the wildlife in Albania" and rejected doubts from the European Commission about nature protection [4, 5].
The European Union warned Albania that if the country fails to comply with environmental laws related to the developments, it risks jeopardizing its EU accession process. EU official Guillaume Mercier urged authorities to act without delay to meet benchmarks [4, 6].
Clashes broke out at protest sites over weeks, involving police and private security as protesters removed fences and attempted to block construction [7, 5, 6].
Protests continue with daily marches and growing demands. The next significant development will be the government's formal release of the environmental impact assessment now underway, which is expected to influence progress on the projects.
