Albanian PM Edi Rama defends Kushner‑backed coastal tourism projects amid protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama told Monocle and Britain’s Channel 4 that his first meeting with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump took place in 2020, before any concrete investment plans were discussed. He said Kushner’s interest in Albanian tourism grew later, notably at the Davos Economic Forum, leading to proposals for luxury developments on Sazan Island and at Zvërnec near Vlorë.

Rama acknowledged ongoing public protests outside the Tirana government building and stressed that the projects are still in the planning stage. Environmental impact studies are being carried out and architects are refining designs to meet European Union standards. He emphasized that any investment must respect the natural landscape and comply with EU regulations, noting the European Commission’s monitoring of the proposals.

The prime minister framed the public debate as a normal democratic process, asserting that the government aims to regenerate the coastal zones without harming the environment while attracting elite tourism.