Protesters against a proposed luxury tourist development gathered along the main boulevard outside the Prime Minister's Office in Tirana, Albania, on 15 June 2026. The demonstration is part of a larger wave of opposition that has been ongoing for two weeks.
Background of the Protests
For the last two weeks, Albanians have been protesting against a planned luxury resort backed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump, near Vlora. If it goes ahead, the development would occupy parts of an environmentally sensitive area which includes the uninhabited outcrop of Sazan and wetlands and coastal habitats in the surrounding marine national park. This area is home to the Mediterranean monk seal and more than 200 bird species, including flamingos and Dalmatian pelicans, according to BirdLife International.
Local Opposition and Land Issues
On Saturday, villagers from Rrjoll, located in an area of sandy beaches and pine forests in north-western Albania, protested against another development project, saying it was being built on their confiscated land. The protests highlight growing concerns over land rights and environmental degradation in the country.
Call for Public Input
The Guardian is seeking to hear from Albanians about what they think about the development project. People can share their views and experiences through a form or by messaging the news organization. Submissions can be anonymous, and contributors must be 18 or over. The responses are secure as the form is encrypted, and only the Guardian has access to the contributions. Data will only be used for the purpose of the feature and will be deleted when no longer required.
For alternative ways to get in touch securely, readers can refer to the tips guide. Contact via WhatsApp at +447766780300, or for fully anonymous communication, use the Secure Messaging service.
