Albanian protests intensify over Kushner-linked luxury resort

Thousands of Albanians have gathered daily in Tirana to oppose a coastal luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators chant slogans such as “Albania is not for sale” and “Rama Leave!”, waving Albanian and U.S. flags and pink flamingo cut‑outs to highlight the threat to the protected Vjosa‑Narta lagoon and nearby Sazan Island.

The protest, dubbed the “flamingo revolution,” has grown into a broader anti‑government movement, with participants demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation and calling for systemic reforms. Environmental groups warn the development would undermine Albania’s biodiversity and jeopardise its EU‑accession prospects. The European Parliament recently expressed “deep regret” over Albanian laws that ease permits for luxury tourism in protected areas, further linking the controversy to the country’s EU bid.

The government defends the project as essential for transforming Albania’s tourism sector and asserts it complies with EU standards, while accusing foreign cyber activists of inflaming the demonstrations. EU officials say they are monitoring the venture to ensure it meets accession requirements.