Thousands Protest in Albania over Kushner-Backed Resort Project

Demonstrators filled Tirana’s main boulevard and assembled outside the prime minister’s office, chanting against the government and blocking roads around the building, Bloomberg reported.

The protests mark the largest demonstration so far against the planned development on Albania’s southern coast.

Public opposition has grown over the past three weeks after fencing and preliminary construction work began near the proposed resort site.

The project, backed by Kushner’s Affinity Partners, has become a focal point for broader concerns about coastal development, environmental protections and the approval process for large private investments in the country.

Protesters are calling for the project to be cancelled and have raised questions about land ownership, the use of protected areas and how the development received government approval.

Earlier on Saturday, Rama rejected calls to step down.

The prime minister said his administration should listen to public concerns but would not alter its course in response to political pressure.

Rama also argued that Albania’s efforts to join the European Union could be undermined if governments changed policy direction based on shifting public sentiment.

The resort project has drawn international attention because of Kushner’s ties to US President Donald Trump as his son-in-law.

The Albanian leader has defended the development in recent weeks, arguing that much of the criticism is linked to Kushner’s involvement rather than environmental concerns.

The dispute has increasingly become a political issue for Rama’s government as opposition to the project spreads beyond environmental groups to broader sections of Albanian society.

The planned resort is one of several large-scale tourism developments proposed for Albania’s coastline as the country seeks to attract foreign investment and expand its tourism sector.