Protests have erupted across Albania, with citizens demonstrating against a proposed luxury resort development on Sazan Island, a project linked to President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. The planned development, which includes over 10,000 hotel rooms at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, has drawn widespread condemnation from environmental activists and local residents who allege a corrupt land deal and irreversible ecological harm.
"There is absolutely no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here." — Edi Rama, Albanian Prime Minister.
Sazan Island, Albania's sole island, has long been recognized for its ecological significance. Its wetlands previously held formal government designation as a protected national park, a status established to safeguard the area's natural integrity. The island and its surrounding waters provide critical habitat for diverse wildlife, including flamingos, seals, and active sea turtle nesting sites, according to reports from POLITICO Europe. Conservationists and scientists have warned that large-scale commercial development could severely disrupt these delicate ecosystems.
The controversy gained momentum following a key decision by the Albanian government shortly after President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House in the 2024 election. Atlantic Incubation Partners, a limited liability company with ties to Kushner, was granted "strategic investor" status. This designation proved instrumental, as it reportedly served as the legal mechanism to dismantle long-standing environmental protections, removing bureaucratic hurdles that had previously prevented development on the island.
Jared Kushner publicly discussed how the project came to his attention during an appearance on the All-In Podcast, speaking with venture capital investors. He stated that he discovered the opportunity during a yacht trip with financier Nathaniel Rothschild, which put Sazan Island on his radar.
Demonstrations against the project have spread from the Albanian shoreline to the capital city of Tirana. Protesters have consistently highlighted two primary concerns: the potential for irreversible environmental damage to one of Europe’s most ecologically fragile zones and allegations that the Albanian government traded environmental protections for political favor. The sentiment among many demonstrators is that the deal represents a "corruption-fueled land grab."
Despite the escalating public opposition, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has remained firm on the project's continuation. Speaking publicly about the investment, Rama declared, "There is absolutely no chance that the investment will stop as long as I am here," as reported by The Guardian. Prime Minister Rama has also dismissed environmental concerns raised by protesters and conservation advocates, rejecting arguments that the resort's construction would harm local wildlife.
Sazan Island holds a history rooted in military conflict. Italian forces seized control of the island during World War I, establishing a formal military presence by 1920. Italy maintained its foothold through World War II, leaving behind structures such as a lighthouse and naval installations that still stand today, according to The Sun. After the war, Italy returned the island to Albania. For decades thereafter, Sazan remained largely uninhabited, hosting only a modest military outpost.
The proposed transformation of Sazan Island from a forgotten military relic and protected natural sanctuary into a billion-dollar private resort has become the central flashpoint for public anger in Albania. The office of Jared Kushner did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller prior to publication regarding the ongoing protests and allegations. The situation continues to draw international media attention as local opposition persists against the development.
