Ivanka Trump Resort Plan Triggers Mass Protests in Albania

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Albania in recent days to protest a luxury resort project backed by Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. The development is planned for Sazan Island and beaches in the south of the country. Protesters say the project threatens nature reserves and rare wildlife, and that it serves wealthy interests at the public’s expense.

What began as an environmental fight over construction in protected areas quickly widened into a broader anti-government demonstration. The protests have also turned into criticism of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the political establishment, with demonstrators linking the resort plan to wider anger over corruption and conditions in the country.

The Albanian government continues to support the project. Rama has called the estimated 1.4 billion euro investment a “blessing” for Albania, arguing that it will create jobs and help develop the economy and tourism sector.

Protesters say they will keep pressing ahead. One participant, Lysander Saraci, who joined the rallies with his children, told The Guardian that “people are tired of injustice and corruption.” He added that one of the movement’s slogans is “Stop the dictatorship of dirty money,” saying such projects benefit only a small number of rich people.