Tensions are rising in Albania over a luxury resort project owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Day by day the anger among common people against this project is increasing. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Tirana in protest. The police had to use water bombs on the protesters to bring the situation under control, which made the whole situation heated.
The controversy stems from a major $1.6 billion project that plans to build a massive resort with 10,000 rooms. According to environmentalists, the project will cause a lot of damage to local wetlands and forest animals. In particular, the habitats of flamingos, seals and sea turtles will be completely destroyed.
In this situation, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke only in favor of the project. He has made it clear that he will not allow this investment to stop under any circumstances during his tenure. He urged the countrymen to welcome this project. Meanwhile, a Kushner company official assured that the project will not harm the environment. However, despite such assurances, environmentalists and locals did not calm down. Protesters are seen holding puppets of flamingos and are adamant in their demand that the project be stopped at any cost.
Kushner first announced the project in 2024, when the controversy began. He had earlier announced a similar project in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, but the project had to be canceled due to strong local protests. Now it remains to be seen what the future holds for this project in Albania. There was no immediate comment from Kushner or his company.