Protests Target Kushner-Backed Tourism Development in Tirana
Protests in the centre of Albania's capital, Tirana, are a frequent occurrence, often organised by the opposition Democratic Party (PD) to the extent that they have become almost a unique tourist attraction. However, the recent nightly demonstrations outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's office have taken a different direction, focusing their discontent on Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, as well as the ruling Socialist Party government.
The source of the protests is a proposed tourism development project along Albania's Adriatic coast. Kushner's investment firm, Affinity Partners, is among the investors involved, and Prime Minister Rama has openly welcomed Kushner's participation. Conversely, the protesters, who do not appear to be aligned with the mainstream opposition, have expressed strong opposition.
Some demonstrators have carried placards calling for the imprisonment of both PD leader Sali Berisha, who is currently facing separate corruption charges, and Prime Minister Rama, indicating the complexity of the protest movement's affiliations.
The protesters have adopted a pink flamingo as their emblem, symbolising their environmental concerns. This choice echoes the use of a yellow duck in a prolonged civic protest in Belgrade, Serbia, but in Albania, the flamingo reflects specific worries about the impact of the development on protected species.
They argue that the planned developments on Sazan Island and at Zvernec, near the coastal city of Vlora, threaten flamingos—a protected species—as well as other wildlife within the protected wetlands area.
Project Aims and Environmental Concerns
Asher Abehsera, Kushner's business partner, has emphasised that the project prioritises "responsible stewardship" and environmental enhancement, alongside job creation and generating value for local communities.
Nonetheless, protesters have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of transparency regarding Affinity Partners' involvement, with negotiations between the company and the Albanian government reportedly ongoing since 2024.
Placards at the protests have also voiced opposition to the concession of land to foreign developers, with slogans such as "Albania is not for sale". The government maintains that the land in question is privately owned and was acquired through a transparent process.
However, critics highlight that the process may not be straightforward, given Albania's history of complex ownership claims resulting from a chaotic privatisation process following 45 years of nationalisation under the Communist regime.
Despite these issues, environmental concerns appear to be the primary motivation for the predominantly young protesters.
"We want all construction to halt and heavy machines out of the protected area,"
said Joni Vorpsi, an ecologist with the PPNEA-BirdLife Albania organisation.
He added that the proposed development "would be a new city with around 10,000 rooms" and said it would "completely destroy that wild region".
Government Response and Regional Tensions
Prime Minister Rama has responded to the protests with apparent exasperation, describing the demonstrators as "well-meaning" but "misinformed" about the environmental impact of the project.
He insisted the project would bring massive benefits to Albania, with a €4bn (£3.5bn) investment promising both jobs and improved infrastructure.
Simultaneously, Rama has characterised the protests as part of a "hybrid war" driven by regional envy of Albania's rapidly growing tourism sector, suggesting that the country is "under attack from very strong competition in our part of the Mediterranean".
This statement is interpreted as a reference to Greece, which some protesters accuse of instigating unrest. Rama himself has publicly criticised former Greek Prime Minister Aleksis Tsipras in connection with these tensions.
Kushner's Balkan Ventures and Project Transparency
For Jared Kushner, this situation recalls previous challenges in the Balkans. His attempt to develop a Trump International Hotel in Belgrade encountered significant local opposition. The arrest of a government minister for abuse of office related to that project ultimately led Kushner to withdraw earlier in the year.
In Albania, Asher Abehsera maintains that all aspects of the project are transparent and environmentally responsible.
"Our focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, job creation, and creating long-term value for local communities,"
he said.
If the protesters remain unconvinced, the pink flamingo symbol may continue to be a prominent feature on the streets of Tirana for the foreseeable future.
