23.06.2026 17:01
Albania is shaken by one of the largest popular movements in the 35 years since the fall of communism. In the capital Tirana, thousands of people have taken to the streets for weeks in ongoing protests against a multibillion-dollar tourism project planned for the Zvërnec area of Vlora, associated with US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. At the demonstrations, attended by thousands, both the cancellation of the project and the resignation of Prime Minister Rama are being demanded.
In Albania, protests sparked by a multibillion-dollar tourism project allegedly linked to US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner have turned into one of the largest popular movements in the country's history. In the capital Tirana, where demonstrations have been ongoing for 23 consecutive days, thousands have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
UNPRECEDENTED PROTESTS IN 35 YEARS
At the center of the protests, which have become an unprecedented social response in the approximately 35 years since the fall of the communist regime, is a luxury tourism investment planned for the Zvërnec area in the city of Vlora. Protesters, chanting "Albania is not for sale," accuse the government of opening the country's natural resources and coastlines to foreign investors.
PROTESTS CONTINUE FOR 23 DAYS
Thousands gathered at Skanderbeg Square in the capital Tirana marched toward the Prime Minister's building carrying Albanian flags. The protests have drawn not only local citizens but also strong support from the Albanian diaspora living in various European countries. Protesters demand the government's resignation and the complete halt of the project process.
Protesters argue that the project threatens the environmentally sensitive Narta Lagoon and the Zvërnec coastline, which hosts numerous protected species, including flamingos. As a result, the protests have been dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution" by international media.
A GIANT 4 BILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT
According to Albanian media and international sources, the total size of the tourism project allegedly linked to Kushner is approximately $4 billion. Some international reports suggest the investment could reach up to €5 billion across different phases. The project plans include the construction of luxury hotels, villas, marina areas, and tourism facilities.
While investors in the project are claimed to include entities connected to Jared Kushner's companies, Ivanka Trump is also said to be supporting the project. However, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama denied claims in a CNN interview that the project directly belongs to the Trump family.
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION
Amid growing backlash, Albania's Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has reportedly launched a review and investigation into the project. The investigation is said to focus particularly on land allocations, the investment process, and allegations of irregularities. Some international outlets have also reported that land sales and corporate ties related to the project are under scrutiny.
THE GOAL IS NO LONGER JUST THE PROJECT
According to experts, the protests have moved beyond being merely an environmental movement against a tourism investment. The demonstrations have become an expression of accumulated discontent over corruption allegations, economic difficulties, mass emigration of the young population, and dissatisfaction with the government. Protesters see the project as a symbol of the country's political and economic system.
International media outlets highlight that these protests have become one of the largest civil movements in Albania since the fall of communism. Protesters emphasize their determination to continue their actions until Prime Minister Edi Rama steps down.