...
By Jasmine Laws
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Albania's prime minister has pushed back against international coverage of protests over a luxury coastal development linked to Jared Kushner, arguing the scale of opposition has been exaggerated as demonstrations continue across the country.
Edi Rama has dismissed criticism of a luxury resort project linked to President Donald Trump's son-in-law as "hysteria," while arguing that international media coverage has overstated the scale of protests against the development.
In a lengthy thread on X, Rama shared a video that he said showed a protest of around 2,000 people—the "lowest turnout so far"—and claimed demonstrations had never exceeded 8,000 participants, even at their peak.
Read More on News
His post pushed back against mounting opposition to the proposed development on Albania’s Adriatic coast, arguing that critics were spreading misinformation and overreacting to plans that he says are still under review.
...
The post comes as peaceful demonstrations continue over the Kushner-backed investment, which aims to transform parts of Albania’s southern coastline into a high-end resort, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of the capital, Tirana, and other areas in recent days. On Saturday evening, The Associated Press reported that protesters gathered in the capital for one of the largest protests so far over the development plans.
When approached for comment, Rama's press office told Newsweek "there is currently no final project approved and no final project under construction" and that an ongoing planning and design process is underway that began more than two years ago. They said that during that time, there has been "continuous back-and-forth between the investors, planners, environmental experts, and the competent Albanian institutions," and that the government has "imposed exceptionally strict requirements and conditions, resulting in a long and rigorous review process that remains ongoing."
They also said that the environmental impact assessment is being prepared by "one of the world's leading environmental consultancy firms, ensuring that every aspect of the project will be subject to rigorous scientific scrutiny, independent evaluation, and compliance with the highest environmental standards before any final decision is taken."
They continued that "the vision is not simply to build another tourism project," and instead "to create a new benchmark for sustainable Mediterranean development—one that protects biodiversity, creates opportunities for local communities, attracts high-value tourism, and demonstrates that environmental responsibility and economic progress can reinforce one another."
Newsweek contacted the press office of Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners outside of regular working hours on Sunday via email for comment.
Rama Says Coverage Has Been Exaggerated
In a long post on X, Rama continued his strong defense of the project, framing it as a major economic opportunity for the country. He dismissed the backlash as exaggerated by the media, suggesting that opponents were misrepresenting the scope and impact of the plans.
"How could a tiny country become global news for reasons so disconnected from the reality on the ground?" he wrote. "How could a local protest involving a few thousand people be transformed into an international spectacle?"
He has repeatedly insisted that no final project has been approved and that environmental safeguards will be followed, even as critics accuse the government of fast-tracking development in protected areas.
"There is only a vision and a plan: to transform Albania into the most attractive high-end tourism destination in this part of the world, while creating a net positive environmental development that, according to the current vision, would ultimately result in approximately 25 percent more trees and green space than exists today, alongside measurable improvements across multiple biodiversity indicators," he wrote.
In an additional comment on his post, he continued that there "is currently no significant public controversy in Albania regarding the island itself," again hitting out at the media, saying that reports were not reflective of the sentiment in the country.
What's Behind the Protests in Albania?
...
The development plans would include hotels, villas and a marina in the Narta Lagoon, one of the largest wetlands in Albania which acts as crucial habitat to a number of species, and a separate resort on Sazan Island, a former communist-era military base.
Environmentalists and activists say the plans threaten habitats that are home to migratory birds, including flamingos, as well as seals and sea turtles, and the lagoon is considered a protected area because of its ecological importance.
Since late May, excavators and other heavy machinery have entered the area, opening access routes, digging into the sand, clearing land among pine trees and installing fencing.
The controversy around the development has also expanded beyond environmental concerns, with questions raised about transparency, land ownership and potential corruption.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutors have opened an investigation linked to the project, particularly around whether the land was privately owned, as asserted by the government.
Rama Says Albania Should Not 'Fear' Project
...
Rama has shown his support for the venture, saying that it would align with Albania’s ambition to become a major global tourism destination.
"Albania should not be a country that fears an extraordinary project like this one, where exceptional partners have come together to invest 4 billion euros ($4.6 billion)," Rama said. He added: "There is no chance for this investment to stop as long as I am here."
However, opponents say the process has lacked public consultation and have accused officials of prioritizing foreign investment over local interests and environmental protections.
As a result, the protests have grown rapidly, with demonstrators carrying flamingo symbols and chanting slogans such as “Albania is not for sale."
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
Update 6/10/26, 3:40 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Edi Rama's press office.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines