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Albania, a country in the southwestern region of the Balkan peninsula, is witnessing one of the biggest waves of anti-government protests since the final end of socialism in 1992. The protests began in late May in opposition to the construction of a multibillion-dollar luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law, in the protected delta area of Vjosa-Narta, but they have now become a common sight in the capital city of Tirana. The protesters, who have faced riot police and water cannons, are demanding the resignation of socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama as activists aim to put an end to politics as usual in a country where corruption and organized crime are prominent features. In the meanwhile, Rama continues to support the luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and alleges that the enemies of Albania and Israel are behind the unrest.

In the interview that follows, Albanian activist Ariela Zeneli discusses the aims and goals of the ongoing protests in Albania and highlights possible outcomes. She is a social activist and project coordinator actively involved in student and social movements advocating for youth rights, education, social justice, and democratic participation.

C. J. Polychroniou: Ariela, can you put into political context Albania’s protests over the Kushner-backed resort in the protected delta area of Vjosa-Narta? Why would a luxury resort plan spark massive protests?

Ariela Zeneli: As you mention, the protests began in response to a project planned for the Vjosa–Narta area. The main concern is that what the government presents as a major investment and a development opportunity for Albania would be built in a protected ecosystem with rich biodiversity and significant environmental value.

The protest was initially organized by local residents and environmental activists, including the Movement TOGETHER. The area is known for its untouched natural beauty and its lagoon, which serves as a habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos. Because of its ecological importance, it has protected status. Despite this, the government has continued to push forward with its development plans.

Protests in Albania Grow in Opposition to Kushner’s $4 Billion Luxury Resort

Another issue that fueled the protests was the situation of local residents and their property rights. These are families who have lived in the area for generations and have long-standing claims to their land. However, many residents argue that they have been stripped of those rights through irregular and often fake processes. Tensions escalated on the very first day of the protest, when one demonstrator was dragged away by private security guards while the police stood idly by. The incident sparked outrage and drew even more people to the cause.

Under the slogan “Albania Is Not for Sale,” protesters have called for the cancellation of the Zvërnec project, the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, and an end to policies that prioritize oligarchs and politically connected investors over the public interest.

What has also angered many people is the lack of transparency surrounding the project. On the one hand, the prime minister has promoted it as a €4 billion investment that will transform the region. On the other hand, he has admitted that there is still no final project and that the company is only in the environmental assessment phase. These statements do not add up. Almost every day, a different explanation is offered, which gives the impression that the government is reacting to public pressure rather than presenting a clear plan. Rama has even called for dialogue and negotiations, but the dominant message from the protests remains: “Resign.”

To me, these protests are much more than a single tourism project. They reflect growing frustration with an economic model that generates profit through the dispossession of local communities while presenting itself as development. The question is not only what is being built, but who benefits from it. Supporters of the project speak about investment and growth, but many local residents see a future in which they lose control over their land and are left with little more than low-paid, seasonal jobs in hotels and resorts. That is why this struggle has resonated so strongly: it is not only about........

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