Trump claims US fuel prices ‘not very high’ as costs surge amid Iran war
Trump claims US fuel prices are 'not very high' as costs surge due to Iran conflict.
The Guardian World1 min read
Thousands protest in Albania against coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner
TL;DR
Thousands protested in Tirana against a coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner, demanding the government halt the project due to environmental concerns. The special prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the land acquisition funds.
Key points
- Thousands protested in Tirana against a coastal resort project
- The project is linked to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law
- Protesters raised concerns about environmental damage
- SPAK opened an investigation into land acquisition funds
- Initial protests occurred in Zvernec over beach access issues
Mentioned in this story
Jared KushnerAlbaniaTiranaZvernec
Vjosa-Narta
Thousands of Albanians have protested in the capital Tirana against a coastal tourism complex planned by a company linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of the United States President Donald Trump.
The project includes the construction of hotels on the uninhabited island of Sazan and in the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta, a wetland home to flamingos, seals and sea turtle nesting sites in the southern community of Zvernec.
Chanting “cancel the project” and holding “Albania is not for sale” banners, the protesters on Wednesday demanded the government block the resort project, which has raised concerns over environmental damage and corruption.
On Tuesday, the special prosecutor’s office to combat corruption and organised crime (SPAK) said it had opened an investigation into the funds used for acquiring the land titles and their sale to investors.
Wednesday’s demonstration followed an initial gathering in Zvernec on Saturday, where dozens of people, including environmental activists, protested over the installation of barbed wire blocking access to the beach.
Private security guards attacked and injured several protesters, leading authorities to suspend several police officers and revoke the licences of two private security companies.
It has not been confirmed that the land surrounded by barbed wire has been bought by Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners. Kushner presented a plan for development projects in Albania two years ago.
According to that plan, Kushner intended to transform Sazan – formerly a secret communist military base – into a luxury tourist destination, a development worth an estimated 1.4 billion euros ($1.2bn). Luxury hotels were also planned in Zvernec.
In January, about 40 environmental organisations called for the suspension of the resort plans, citing threats to biodiversity.
Protesters gathered outside the office of Albania’s socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday evening, holding inflatable flamingos and signs that read “nation is not for sale” and “I don’t want Albania like Dubai”.
A protest in Tirana at the prime minister’s office against the construction of a luxury resort near a protected natural area, June 2, 2026 [AFP]
Q&A
What are the environmental concerns regarding the resort in Albania?
The resort project threatens the protected coastal area of Vjosa-Narta, which is home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites.
Who is Jared Kushner and what is his connection to the Albanian resort project?
Jared Kushner is the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump and is linked to the company planning the coastal tourism complex in Albania.
What actions have been taken by the Albanian government regarding the Kushner-linked project?
The Albanian government is facing pressure to block the project, and the special prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the land acquisition process.
