Thousands of protesters gathered in Tirana and coastal regions of Albania this week demanding the suspension of two luxury resort projects linked to investor Jared Kushner. The demonstrations followed reports of private security violence at project sites and allegations of illegal land grabs involving a €1.4 billion development on Sazan Island and a €4 billion mainland project.
Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the projects on Monday, framing them as essential for transforming Albanian tourism. He denied that public land is being transferred to private interests, asserting that Sazan Island remains state-owned despite the “strategic-investor status” granted to the developers.
Video evidence of private security forces using violence against demonstrators at project sites catalyzed the protests. These clashes sparked widespread anger, leading thousands to gather in Tirana and coastal regions to demand an immediate suspension of construction and a full investigation into the projects’ legal foundations.
The investment is significant relative to Albania’s economy, comprising a €1.4 billion proposal for Sazan Island and a separate €4 billion development on the Adriatic coast. Critics argue the “strategic investor” legal mechanism allows the government to fast-track luxury resorts while bypassing standard environmental impact assessments and public consultations.
Environmental concerns drive the opposition. A coalition of 41 environmental organizations from 28 countries called for the suspension of the Sazan project in January 2026. Activists warn the developments threaten sensitive landscapes and critical habitats for migratory birds, including flamingos.
The controversy follows a pattern of high-stakes luxury developments by Kushner in the Balkans, including a failed project in Belgrade. As protests grow, international attention focuses on the Albanian government’s use of “strategic-investor status” to fast-track projects, while environmental groups maintain their demand for an immediate suspension of construction on Sazan Island.