A dispute over a planned $4 billion tourism development in Albania has become the focus of political controversy, media accusations and public protests, as opponents say concerns about land ownership and planning transparency have been reframed as a bilateral issue involving Greece.
The debate intensified after Albanian broadcaster ABC aired a report last week, two days after a protester was beaten along the coastline north of the village of Zvernec, where the project is to be built. A commentator on the program “Real Story” questioned the motives of those opposing the seaside resort, which has been linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. The commentator suggested that claims by ethnic Greeks in the area regarding ownership rights were unfamiliar and referred to possible organized Greek involvement in Albania’s internal affairs. To support the allegation, he presented a photograph purportedly showing buses and demonstrators near the Kakavia border crossing. The image was reportedly generated using AI, a fact that was not disclosed.
Similar claims appeared in other Albanian reports following disturbances on May 30. Critics say those reports sought to portray the controversy as a dispute between Albania and Greece rather than a matter under examination for planning transparency. The case is being investigated by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure.
