Albania protests over Trump-linked luxury resort, but PM dismisses concerns: ‘If it was not Jared, they would not give a s**t’

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is pushing back against the growing protests surrounding a planned luxury resort development, insisting that the project is being unfairly targeted because of its association with Jared Kushner.

The development, which involves an ambitious plan for Sazan Island and the Zvërnec coastline, has ignited a firestorm of public outcry, with citizens and environmentalists rallying under the banner of the flamingo revolution.

According to Politico, Rama dismissed the concerns during the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, suggesting that the focus on this specific project is purely political. He told the outlet, “If it was not Jared, they would not give a s–t about what is happening in Albania.” Rama maintains that his broader strategy of attracting foreign investment to bolster the nation’s tourism sector is the right path forward, noting that Albania’s GDP has tripled since he took office in 2013.

Per CNN, the proposed venture is massive, with potential plans for up to 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. Ivanka Trump described the site to podcaster David Senra as an “unbelievable, beautiful 1,400-hectare private island in the middle of the Mediterranean,” alongside five miles of Albanian beachfront. The project is backed by a mix of international investors, including Qatari investors.

The proposed location is reportedly protected land

According to CNN, local activists are deeply concerned about the ecological impact. The Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape is a vital habitat for more than 200 migratory bird species, including flamingos, as well as Mediterranean monk seals and nesting sea turtles. Conservationists, such as those at the group PPNEA, have reported seeing heavy machinery, such as excavators and trucks, working on the beach and laying gravel. 

Ariel Brunner, the Europe director for BirdLife, visited the site in May and told CNN, “There was no sign whatsoever, neither by the lagoon where they were cutting the road, nor on the beach where the machinery was working… there were no signs of any kind of license or permits or even just declaration of who they were.”

A major point of contention is the reported 2024 change to Albania’s nature laws. This legislation now permits the construction of “structures of excellence, 5 stars or more” within protected areas, an exemption that environmental groups find alarming. 

Brunner described it as “one of the most brutal legislative texts I’ve seen in the environmental field in my career,” noting that it stands in stark contrast to European Union standards. Politico stated that the European Commission has already expressed concerns about these potential environmental impacts, particularly given Albania’s ongoing efforts to join the EU by 2030.

Rama has consistently pushed back against the narrative that the project will destroy the local ecosystem. He told CNN that the environmental impact is still being worked on and that the group has hired a consulting firm to assess the situation. 

He insisted that the project will not “pour concrete on the head of flamingos,” but rather demonstrate that high-end development and nature can coexist. Rama also clarified to the outlet that he has not been in touch with Kushner since the protests began, saying, “He has his own things to do, and on the other hand, he and Ivanka have nothing to do with all this … totally fake and forged story.”

When CNN reached out to Kushner’s private equity fund for a comment, they were redirected to Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, with the statement that investors are involved in their personal capacities. Asher Abehsera, chairman of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC, responded, saying that they are excited about the opportunity to create a world-class destination. 

“Our focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, job creation, and creating long-term value for local communities,” Abehsera said. He added that they respect the institutional processes currently underway.

Beyond the environmental debate, per Politico, some have claimed that the protests have antisemitic motivations tied to Kushner’s Jewish roots and involvement in the Abraham Accords. In fact, his participation in international negotiations as a civilian has consistently raised concern, with Sen. Tillis saying it ‘doesn’t make sense’ for him to be involved as a businessman. In the Russian-Ukrainian negotiation, Zelensky accused him of co-authoring a $12 trillion business proposal.

Rama suggested the protest and narratives around it have been driven, in part, by Iran, which he claims has been involved in a “hybrid war” of disinformation. He even pointed to conspiracy theories that falsely claim the area will be used to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, calling it “incredible and despicable fake news.” 

Meanwhile, protesters and civil society groups have argued that their movement is focused on transparency and environmental preservation, and the actions of a few do not define their broader cause.