- Thousands of Albanians have taken to the streets of the country's capital Tirana for 21 consecutive days in protests sparked by in an area rich in natural beauty.
- Anger over the construction plans for the historically protected Pishë Poro-Narta area on the country's coast have expanded into a wider movement against alleged corruption in the Albanian government and the country's ruling elite.
- Albanian activists have told CBS News that a lack of transparency from the government — both over this project and wider issues related to alleged corruption — are driving the outrage behind the protests, which have become some of the largest seen in Albania since the fall of communism in the country in 1991.
Protests in Albania against a luxury resort development have transformed into a significant anti-corruption movement, with demonstrators rallying for 21 consecutive days in Tirana. The protests were ignited by plans for a resort in the Pishë Poro-Narta area, a site of natural beauty and historical significance.12
Activists express outrage over the government's lack of transparency regarding the project, which is backed by a group of investors including Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law. The proposed development could feature 800 guest rooms, luxury villas, a golf course, and more, raising concerns about environmental degradation.
Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), criticized the absence of public consultation, stating, “There was no public consultation whatsoever.” The protests have become some of the largest in Albania since the fall of communism in 1991, reflecting widespread discontent with the ruling elite.3
Despite the mounting pressure, Prime Minister Edi Rama has vowed to proceed with the project. Meanwhile, Albania's independent anti-corruption body, SPAK, has opened an investigation into the development, although it does not involve any companies linked to Kushner. Local environmentalists have reported damage to the area, including the destruction of a sea turtle nest by construction activities.
As the protests continue, Sazan Real Estate Development stated that the project's future will ultimately be determined by the Albanian people.
“Thousands of Albanians have protested for 21 consecutive days against luxury resort plans in a protected area. The movement has grown to address broader issues of alleged government corruption.”
CBS News