Albania's Sazan Island Project Backed by Kushner Faces Protests

Mass protests have risen in Tirana against a coastal development plan that would build a small resort on the uninhabited Sazan Island and a larger complex along the Narta lagoon, a protected wildlife reserve home to flamingos. Demonstrators, waving cut‑out flamingo figures, have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and accuse the government of lacking transparency and violating environmental standards. The anti‑corruption agency has opened an investigation, while the administration maintains the land is privately owned.

Former Clinton adviser Christopher Hyland told Euronews Albania that the project, promoted by Jared Kushner and backed by investors from the United States, Saudi Arabia and other countries, could bring billions of dollars and a major economic boost to Albania. He described it as a “huge international opportunity” for the country despite the local opposition and environmental concerns.