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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has reaffirmed his government's commitment to a proposed luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner, despite growing protests over its potential impact on the Vjosa-Narta protected area along the country's southern coast. The project, backed by Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners, forms part of a broader investment programme that could be worth up to EUR 5 billion. Demonstrators have opposed the development, citing concerns over risks to wetlands that support flamingoes, seals and sea turtle nesting sites. While an environmental impact assessment is yet to be completed, Rama has defended the project as a key component of Albania's modernisation strategy and has pledged that wildlife and ecological interests will be protected during the development process.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has said his government will proceed with a luxury resort project associated with Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, despite sustained protests from environmental groups and residents concerned about the impact on a protected coastal wetland. The remarks were made during an interview in Tirana in the past week as demonstrations against the project continued across the country.
The proposed development is planned near the Vjosa-Narta protected area on Albania's southern coast, a region known for its ecological significance and biodiversity. The wetland supports a variety of wildlife, including flamingoes, seals and sea turtle nesting habitats. Environmental activists have argued that the project could damage sensitive ecosystems and have called for the development to be halted.
Opposition to the resort has intensified in recent weeks, with thousands of people participating in demonstrations both in the capital city of Tirana and in coastal communities near the proposed site. Protesters have adopted the flamingo as a symbol of the movement, carrying inflatable pink birds and banners highlighting concerns about biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Rama, however, rejected calls to abandon the project and stated that the development would contribute to Albania's economic growth and international profile. He indicated that the plans would become clearer in the coming months and suggested that parts of the resort could be operational before the end of the decade. According to the prime minister, the project aligns with broader efforts to modernise the country and attract international investment.
The resort proposal is being developed by Affinity Partners, Kushner's investment firm, which is involved in a EUR 1.4 billion project near the Vjosa-Narta area as well as a separate development on Sazan Island. Rama said the combined value of the two developments could reach EUR 5 billion. He described the projects as ambitious investments that inevitably attract public debate and scrutiny.
Kushner and Affinity Partners did not comment on the latest developments. However, Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, which is involved in preparing the plans, has previously stated that the projects would be executed responsibly and with due regard to environmental considerations.
Protests escalated after parts of the proposed development area were enclosed with barbed-wire fencing while work began on access roads and preliminary site preparations. Some demonstrators were injured during clashes with private security personnel. The fencing has since been removed, with Rama acknowledging that its installation had been inappropriate.
Environmental concerns remain at the centre of the dispute. The prime minister noted that a formal environmental impact assessment has not yet been completed and would be undertaken alongside the project's development process. He maintained that Albania had a strong record of wildlife protection and said the government remained committed to safeguarding natural habitats while advancing strategic investment projects.
The controversy highlights the increasingly complex balance between large-scale tourism-led real estate investment and environmental protection as Albania seeks to expand its economy and strengthen its prospects for European Union membership.
Source - Reuters
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