Protests Erupt in Albania Over Ivanka Trump's Linked Real Estate Project

For the sixth consecutive day, protests have intensified in Tirana, the capital of Albania, as thousands gathered on Saturday evening to oppose a luxury resort development linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The demonstrations have been gaining momentum over the past week, targeting a proposed luxury hotel project on a natural reserve along the Albanian coast. The initiative is led by Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, and her husband Jared Kushner.

Protesters marched through the city center waving Albanian flags and holding signs reading "Ivanka, go back to your country" and "Albania is not for sale," according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

The crowd halted in front of the government headquarters, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. This rally marked the largest since the initial march held the previous Monday in the capital.

Prime Minister Rama has accused "foreign forces" of inciting the protests, while demonstrators have criticized him for allegedly prioritizing investors over national interests.

During a visit to Montenegro for a European summit on Friday, Rama stated, "There is no project, and there is no reason for concern as long as there is no project," while affirming that "the best experts" worldwide are being consulted and the goal is to "create something unique."

He clarified that "no approved project exists yet," adding, "First, we need to have a project, then we review it, then we discuss it, but we cannot discuss something that does not exist."

Protesters have condemned what they describe as systematic destruction of large parts of the Vjosa-Narta Nature Reserve, located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Tirana, which is home to significant populations of pink flamingos.

The project, revealed two years ago, has raised numerous questions, particularly regarding the ownership titles of the land where several hotels could potentially be constructed.

So far, no buildings have been erected; however, the project has been promoted through images posted on Jared Kushner's Instagram account, Ivanka Trump's visits to Albania accompanied by investors during the past winter, and recent podcast statements by Trump’s daughter promoting this "jewel" on the Adriatic Sea.

In recent days, videos showing preparatory work on the coast and bulldozers on the beach have reignited opposition protests against the development.