Efforts by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to develop a luxurious resort on an island off Albania’s coast, with a price tag exceeding $1 billion, have triggered significant protests across the Balkan nation.
Kushner and Trump are collaborating on a private luxury project which includes 10,000 hotel rooms. The planned construction, projected to cost around $1.6 billion, has not sat well with many local residents, leading to widespread demonstrations and social media outcry.
Protests have erupted from the Albanian coastline to the capital, Tirana, with participants voicing their strong disapproval of the development plans. Concerns have been raised about environmental implications, and accusations have emerged against authorities for permitting extensive construction in protected areas.
Sasan, described as Albania’s sole island, is in the spotlight. Kushner mentioned in a podcast that his interest in the area grew while sailing on a yacht owned by his friend Nathaniel Rothschild.
The demonstrators’ main worries seem to revolve around environmental issues and potential government corruption. They point out that the area previously faced many bureaucratic hurdles until Trump took office. Chants like “Cancel the project” and claims such as “Albania is not for sale,” filled the air, reflecting the strong feelings against the development.
The surrounding waters and the island itself are reportedly among Europe’s most environmentally fragile regions. Before the resort plans were greenlit, the island’s wetlands were considered a protected national park, crucial for ecological conservation. This area is rich in biodiversity, housing nesting spots for flamingos, seals, and sea turtles.
As for the allegations regarding corruption, concerns grew after the Albanian government, post-Trump’s potential re-election in 2024, commissioned a company with ties to Kushner to act as a “strategic investor,” leading to the easing of strict environmental regulations.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, undeterred by the protests, stated that he would not halt the development, asserting that investment would continue as long as he is in office—downplaying claims about potential harmful impacts on wildlife.
This uninhabited island has a history marked by military use during the 20th century; Italy occupied it during World War I and established military infrastructure. After WWII, the island remained largely deserted aside from a military presence.
Attempts to reach Kushner’s office for comments were met with silence at the time of the article’s publication.
