Albanian PM says critics would ignore luxury resort project concerns if 'it was not Jared Kushner'

TIVAT, MONTENEGRO: Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended a proposed luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, dismissing growing protests and environmental concerns as politically motivated criticism amplified by opponents of President Donald Trump. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, Rama argued that the project would support Albania’s tourism sector and rejected claims that it would harm protected wildlife habitats. His comments came as demonstrations against the development continued for a seventh consecutive day.

Edi Rama says criticism is driven by Trump opposition

The project, backed by Kushner and a group of international investors, includes plans for a major resort on Sazan Island and development along the Zvernec coastline near Vlora, areas known for their ecological significance and flamingo populations.

Rama dismissed suggestions that opposition to the project reflects broad public concern over environmental damage, arguing instead that Kushner’s connection to the Trump family has drawn disproportionate international attention. “If it was not Jared, they would not give a s**t about what is happening in Albania,” Rama told POLITICO.

The Albanian leader said critics had exaggerated the scale of the protests and claimed that “Trump haters” had helped amplify the controversy internationally. While describing environmental protection as a legitimate concern, he argued that the backlash surrounding the development had become politicized.

Rama also said he had not spoken with Kushner since the demonstrations began and stressed that the project involves multiple investors, including Qatar-based firms and local partners.

“He has his own things to do, and on the other hand, he and Ivanka have nothing to do with all this ... totally fake and forged story,” Rama said. 

The prime minister further alleged that misinformation surrounding the development had been fueled by foreign influence campaigns. According to Rama, some narratives linking the project to plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza were part of a broader disinformation effort.

“They are a part of it because there is no one else that is interested in fueling the narrative of antisemitism based on an incredible and despicable fake news,” he said.

Environmental groups continue protesting Kushner-backed resort project

Environmental organizations and activists have continued to challenge the project, arguing that the planned resort threatens one of Albania’s most sensitive ecosystems.

The development area includes habitats used by flamingos, more than 200 migratory bird species, Mediterranean monk seals, and sea turtles. Critics have also raised concerns that legal changes adopted in 2024 weakened protections for previously safeguarded areas and enabled tourism construction in environmentally sensitive zones.

According to conservation groups, the project has not undergone a formal environmental impact assessment. Protesters have also questioned the transparency of the approval process and the government’s handling of development permits.

Rama argued that tourism development remains essential to Albania’s economic strategy and said environmental preservation and investment can coexist. “To see with their eyes the flamingos and the development coexisting together beautifully.”

When asked whether he would host a future summit at the completed resort, Rama replied, “This will not be my Mar-A-Lago.”