Thousands of people in Tirana protested against Trump's son-in-law's project: "Some corrupt politicians can't..."

Thousands of Albanians took part in the biggest protest this week in Tirana against the construction of a luxury tourist complex on the ecologically sensitive border between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, planned by a company linked to US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The 1,4 billion euro project is being led by Jared Kushner's investment firm Afinti Partners on an island off Albania and on an undeveloped stretch of coast near the Vjosa-Narta protected area, a nature reserve.

It is an important habitat for hundreds of bird species, including pink flamingos and endangered pelicans, as well as Mediterranean seals and sea turtle nesting grounds, Reuters reports today.

Environmentalists oppose the plan, saying it will affect hundreds of hectares of pristine beaches and the thousands of flamingos that live there.

The initial works and deployment of heavy machinery at the Vjosa-Narta site prompted protests from locals last week, followed by large street demonstrations in Tirana.

Protesters gathered again last night outside Prime Minister Edi Rama's office, chanting "Revolution!" and "Stop the project!", some demanding Rama's resignation.

"Albania is not for sale! Albania belongs to the Albanian people and we decide what we want to do here. Some corrupt politicians who govern Albania cannot decide what they can do with our property, with Albanian heritage, natural and cultural heritage," said writer Lindita Komani at the protest.

Rama defended the project. The contractors said their goal would be responsible management and enhanced environmental protection.

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said that work is underway to assess the environmental impact of the proposed investment, which will have to be fully compliant with environmental laws and preserve the local habitat.

European environmental directives and Albanian law provide legal guarantees of protection against projects that could harm the protected lagoon and surrounding areas, she said, according to the Albanian state news agency ATA.

Kouchner announced plans to build a tourist complex in 2024 as part of broader investments that included the former General Staff of the Serbian Army in Belgrade, but last year, after protests, he abandoned that deal in Serbia, Reuters reminds.