Massive Protests Spark in Albania Against New Luxury Resort Linked to Ivanka Trum's Husband Jared Kushner

Thousands of protesters gathered in Albania this week for several consecutive days of demonstrations against a proposed luxury resort development linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, with opposition intensifying over concerns about environmental damage, land ownership and transparency surrounding the project.

The development would span Sazan Island and parts of the Zvernec and Narta Lagoon coastal areas, a region environmental groups say is home to flamingos, more than 200 migratory bird species, Mediterranean monk seals and nesting sea turtles.

Demonstrators in Tirana carried inflatable flamingos and bird cutouts, turning the bird into a symbol of the protests, as POLITICO reported.

Environmental groups say construction activity accelerated in late May, when heavy machinery entered the area to clear land, install fencing and open access roads. "From start to finish there has been a total lack of transparency," Aleksandr Trajce, executive director of the Protection and Preservation of the Natural Environment in Albania, told The Guardian.

Trajce added that there had been no public consultation or documentation regarding permits.

The proposed resort, linked to Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners, could include hotels, apartments, villas and a marina, with potential for up to 10,000 hotel rooms. Kushner and Ivanka Trump visited the site earlier this year.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the project as part of Albania's effort to develop high-end tourism and move closer to European Union membership. "There is no chance for this investment to stop as long as I am here," Rama said, according to Euronews.

Rama also rejected claims that the project would amount to a "Trump family island" or destroy protected areas, saying critics had been "misled big time." He said the challenge was proving that "development and nature can not only coexist, but that nature and development need each other."

The controversy has expanded beyond environmental concerns, as protesters and conservation groups have raised questions about land ownership, access and the government's decision-making process. Albania's anti-corruption prosecutors have opened an investigation connected to protected-area legislation and land tied to the development.

Developers say they will proceed responsibly. "Our focus remains on responsible stewardship, environmental enhancement, job creation, and creating long-term value for local communities," said Asher Abehsera, chair of Sazan Real Estate Development LLC.

The protests have also spread internationally, with demonstrations organized by members of the Albanian diaspora planned in cities including Brussels, Berlin, Milan, Toronto and New York.