Key facts
- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama asked U.S. Democrats not to use Albania to seek revenge on Donald Trump.
- Protests against a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, have been ongoing for 124 days.
- The project involves developing a luxury resort on Sazan Island and adjacent shoreline.
- Protestors cite environmental concerns and a lack of public consultation.
- Albania's Special Prosecutor's Office is investigating potential fraud related to private land ownership for the project.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged U.S. Democrats not to use his country as a venue to seek retribution against President Donald Trump. Rama's comments come as protests against a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, enter their fourth month. The protests, which began in late May, have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations and are now in their 124th consecutive day, attracting significant international media attention.
Rama attributed the attention to the "long shadow of Donald Trump" and stated in an interview with WELT, "I told my Democratic friends in America: If you cannot beat Trump in America, do not come to Albania to take revenge. That is not fair."
The project involves developing a luxury resort on the publicly owned Sazan Island, a former Soviet military base, with only 8% slated for development, and another on a privately owned peninsula. Protestors have raised concerns about environmental impact and a lack of public consultation, with slogans such as "Albania is not for sale." Rama defended the project, comparing it to foreign investment in Germany and asserting that he represents his country's interests. He also noted that negotiations are ongoing and environmental impact assessments will be conducted.
Meanwhile, Albania's Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) is investigating whether an Albanian businessman faked ownership documents for the private land involved in the project. The former owner has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the project's investors, including Kushner, did not respond to a request for comment.
During a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama assured transparency regarding the project's documents. However, hundreds of protestors gathered outside his office with placards reading "No EU with Rama."