Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says the government will proceed with a large luxury coastal resort project linked to US investor Jared Kushner, despite mounting demonstrations. Multiple outlets report that protests have continued for days and intensify over concerns about the development’s impact on protected coastal areas, alleged corruption in how coastal land is used, and the project’s political connections. Protesters hold mass rallies in Tirana and other locations, with some demonstrators calling for Rama’s resignation.
The planned venture is described as a multi-component complex that includes hotels, apartments, villas and a yacht marina, and is set to span an abandoned island and nearby seafront on Albania’s southern coast. Bloomberg reports the project is roughly €4 billion (about $4.6–$4.7 billion), while other coverage likewise characterizes it as a billion-dollar-scale luxury development.
Rama publicly defends the project, including in interviews, saying it will move forward and rejecting criticism. Coverage also notes that environmental campaigners are among the opponents, and that the controversy tests the prime minister amid broader public anger.
