Albania's government faces growing public anger over its support for a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. The project, which has received preliminary approval, has sparked daily protests outside the Prime Minister's office in Tirana. The protests have become a public show of no-confidence in the government, with protesters chanting 'Edi Rama out!'. The resort is planned for Zvérnec, a coastal area across from Sazan Island, which is owned by Kushner and Trump. The area is protected under international treaties, including the European Union's Natura 2000, and is home to hundreds of bird species. Ornithologist Taulant Bino warns that the resort would destroy crucial habitats for birds and other animals. The protests have also highlighted the issue of fraudulent property titles, with a firm that purchased land along the coast having its bank accounts frozen by anti-corruption prosecutors. The project has faced legal challenges from environmental organizations, and the government's new law stripping away protections for the ecosystem has been criticized as violating Albanian and EU laws. The project's investors are difficult to track, with a string of shell companies leading to a complex web of ownership. The protests have united Albanians from all social backgrounds, with software engineer Albi Batozi stating that public land belongs to everyone, not just the 1%. The government's response has been to emphasize the potential for sustainable development, but critics argue that the focus on luxury resorts overlooks Albania's poverty and the need for more affordable infrastructure.
