Albanian Prime Minister Denies Sale of Sazan Island Amid Resort Protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the protests in his country against a planned luxury resort on a protected area along the Adriatic coast as founded on incorrect information.

Speaking to the German news agency in Berlin, Rama asserted that demonstrators are acting on false claims. He stated, "The facts confirm there is no deal concerning Sazan Island, while the media is filled with incorrect allegations that there is an agreement, that the Kushner family will acquire the island, and that Albania will sell it... It was never about a sale."

Rama added that his government is still negotiating a joint project to build Albania's first luxury resort on the island. He confirmed that Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, is among the potential group of investors and remarked, "Albania has become a platform for anti-Trump anger worldwide."

The prime minister noted that initial exploratory excavation work has been halted and temporary fencing around the construction site removed. He explained, "Preparatory work was not stopped due to any specific decision, but there is a pause because it is impossible to continue working under such pressure and severity."

Rama emphasized that no building permits have yet been submitted for either the Sazan or Zvërnet area, adding that environmental impact assessments will naturally be conducted. According to his government's account, limited and environmentally considerate construction is permitted in both areas.

Environmental advocates have criticized amendments made to the Protected Areas Law in 2024, while the Albanian government describes these changes as mere clarifications of the legal protection status. However, the European Union's reports on Albania have noted a decline in the level of protection.

Rama rejected these criticisms, stating, "There is no chance that a candidate country negotiating imminent EU membership would implement any project, regardless of size, without conducting an environmental impact assessment fully compliant with EU standards."

Albania, located in the Balkans and seeking EU membership, has experienced weeks of protests against the construction plans. Thousands have taken to the streets in the capital Tirana, where clashes with police have occurred.

The project also includes development on a small peninsula near the town of Zvërnet, where sand dunes form a barrier between Lake Narta and the Mediterranean Sea. This area is a protected habitat for numerous bird and animal species.