Around 200 Albanians protested a luxury development on Albania's Adriatic coast, tearing down fences at a site they claim was built on confiscated land. The project is linked to Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law.
The protests highlight growing local opposition to large-scale luxury developments in Albania, particularly when perceived as infringing on land rights and environmental concerns, with potential implications for foreign investment and government policy.
Approximately 200 protesters on Saturday dismantled metal and razor-wire fences surrounding a luxury development site on Albania's Adriatic coast, signaling escalating anger over construction in ecologically sensitive regions. The demonstration occurred in Rrjoll, where villagers claim their land was seized for a five-star luxury tourist resort.
Protesters, waving Albanian flags and chanting "Revolution!", removed the fencing despite some scuffles with law enforcement. They are demanding compensation and consultation with the investors, asserting that 200 families are affected by the land seizure. The project has been granted "special status investor" status by the Albanian government.
Locals expressed frustration with the development, which they say is encroaching on areas known for sandy beaches and pine forests, and is near a site famed for flamingos and turtle nesting. One landowner lamented the investors' refusal to consult with the community, questioning their methods of acquiring the land.
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