Kushner luxury resort plan sparks mass protests in Albania

June 8, 2026 - 22:13

A massive luxury resort development, backed by Jared Kushner and valued at $1.6 billion, has triggered large-scale protests in Albania. Thousands of demonstrators, some carrying inflatable flamingos as a symbol of the threatened ecosystem, flooded the streets of Tirana over the weekend. The project, planned for the protected Zvernec Bay area, has sparked fierce opposition from environmental groups and local residents who fear it will destroy one of the country's last remaining natural coastal habitats.

Critics argue the resort would devastate the local ecosystem, which hosts rare bird species and endangered marine life. The area is currently protected under Albanian environmental law, but the government has signaled it may rezone the land for tourism development. Protesters accuse the administration of prioritizing foreign investment over environmental preservation and public welfare.

The project, which includes hotels, villas, and a marina, is part of a broader push by the Albanian government to attract high-end tourism. However, many citizens view it as a symbol of unchecked development and corruption. Organizers of the protests have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the government withdraws the construction permits. The controversy has also drawn international attention, with human rights and environmental organizations calling for a halt to the project pending a full environmental impact assessment.