Thousands rally in Albania's largest protest yet against Kushner-backed luxury resort

Jun 10, 2026

Thousands of Albanians have staged the largest protest yet in Tirana against a €5 billion luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner. The development threatens a protected wetland, home to flamingos and sea turtles, sparking the 'Flamingo Revolution.' Protesters cite government corruption and a lack of transparency, while Prime Minister Edi Rama vows to proceed. The EU has warned Albania that environmental law compliance is key to its accession.

Albania luxury resort protest

▪Thousands of Albanians protested in the capital, Tirana, on June 10, 2026, against a luxury resort development.
▪Protesters held signs reading "Albania is not for sale" and chanted "New Albania" outside the Prime Minister's office.
▪The demonstration in Tirana was the largest protest yet against the planned resort.
▪Critics have raised concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding the development plans designed by foreign investors.
▪The protests, which originated in the village of Zvernec, have been dubbed the "Flamingo Revolution".

Kushner development backing

▪The project, a joint concept of Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump, is expected to cost about 5 billion euros ($5.8bn).
▪The luxury resort development is backed by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Environmental protection concerns

▪The European Union, which may admit Albania by 2030, has warned the country that alignment with European environmental law is a condition of accession.
▪The proposed resort is located near a protected wetland that is home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtle nesting sites.

Government response

▪Prime Minister Edi Rama, in power since 2013, has been criticized for not eradicating widespread corruption.
▪Prime Minister Edi Rama stated an environmental impact assessment would be completed and the project would proceed responsibly.
▪Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that the development project will go ahead regardless of the protests.
▪Earlier in 2026, protests over alleged corruption led Prime Minister Edi Rama to fire his deputy, Belinda Balluku.